Has Punjab Launched a Campaign Against the Dangers of Stubble Burning?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab's campaign targets stubble burning.
- Community engagement is essential for success.
- Educational initiatives for students are included.
- Aimed at promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Focus on reducing air pollution and benefiting future generations.
Chandigarh, Sep 28 (NationPress) In a significant initiative aimed at tackling the issue of stubble burning and promoting sustainable farming techniques, the Punjab government has rolled out a comprehensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) strategy for Crop Residue Management (CRM), announced state Minister for Agriculture Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Sunday.
The primary objective of the campaign is to actively involve communities, students, and farmers in fostering a shift towards environmentally friendly practices, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural methods.
The minister revealed that to spread awareness, the department will utilize 50 publicity vans to deliver educational messages in rural regions.
Moreover, 444 ‘Nukkad Nataks’ (street plays) will be staged to convey the message in a culturally relevant way.
Additionally, 12,500 informative wall paintings will be created to emphasize the significance of Crop Residue Management (CRM) and the detrimental impacts of paddy straw burning.
Khudian stated that 3,333 village-level camps and 296 block-level camps will be organized to give farmers direct access to information, expert guidance, and government initiatives regarding Crop Residue Management (CRM), empowering them to adopt sustainable practices. Furthermore, 148 ASHA workers will be mobilized for door-to-door awareness campaigns in villages, customizing the message for individual families.
In schools, students will participate in essay writing, painting, and debate competitions to cultivate environmental awareness from an early age.
"Our priority is the health of our soil and our people. This year, we are focusing not just on providing machinery but also on gaining the trust and engagement of our farming community. This extensive outreach effort is a grassroots movement against stubble burning. We are reaching out to the villages, schools, and homes to educate, empower, and motivate our farmers to champion crop residue management. Our aim is to create a cleaner, greener, and healthier Punjab for future generations," Khudian stated, as per an official announcement.
He emphasized that the campaign highlights the government's steadfast commitment to tackling the issue of air pollution.
Administrative Secretary (Agriculture) Basant Garg noted that since 2018-19, 1.58 lakh CRM machines have been distributed to farmers in the state. He expressed optimism that proactive community engagement and the mechanization of the agricultural sector would significantly reduce stubble burning incidents this season.