OKARA
The Punjab Agriculture (Extension) Department on Thursday started a campaign against paddy stubble burning in Punjab’s Okara district to rein in the issue of smog.
According to details, Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension) Muhammad Riaz Anjum started the anti-smog drive on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia by issuing warning notices to the farmers against whom an action was taken last year for their involvement in the paddy stubble burning incidents in the district, said a statement.
Anti-Smog Committees, comprising numberdars, revenue officials, field assistants of the agriculture (extension) department and local farmers have been formed in 933 mauzas of Okara district. Moreover, announcements have been made at least twice in every village through mosques, warning the farmers against burning of paddy stubble, else they might face a fine of Rs50,000 or a police case.
The department has distributed pamphlets among the farmers, urging them to avoid stubble burning and instead use the same to increase the land fertility manifold by mixing it into the land through ploughing.
According to Deputy Director Riaz Anjum, twenty-three farmers have been booked for their involvement in paddy stubble burning incidents in the district. He said that the farmers involved in increasing smog in the district will face legal action.
Meanwhile, Director Agriculture (Extension) Sahiwal División Ch Shahbaz Akhtar and Muhammad Riaz Anjum participated in the seminar organised by Potato Growers Association Okara.
Addressing as the guest of honour on the occasion, Akhtar emphasised upon the prohibition of rice straw and other crops stubble burning. He asked the farmers that strict action will be taken against the violators.
All the schemes of the government for mechanised harvesting and disposal of stubbles of crops were discussed in detail on the occasion. A large number of farmers attended the programme.
