Krantikari Kisan Union urges farmers not to burn wheat stubble
Ferozepur, April 17, 2025: As the wheat harvesting season is in full swing, farmers have begun preparing fields for the next crop by burning leftover stubble after threshing and fodder collection. In a proactive step, Avtar Singh Mehma, State Press Secretary of the Krantikari Kisan Union (KKU), has appealed to farmers not to burn wheat residue but instead plough it back into the soil.
Leading by example, Mehma was seen managing wheat stubble on his own farm, emphasizing that preserving soil nutrients, biodiversity, and nearby trees is a collective duty. He acknowledged that due to a lack of viable alternatives, farmers often feel compelled to burn paddy straw, but wheat stubble can be managed with comparatively less effort.
He further stated that misinformation is being spread suggesting farmers are the sole contributors to pollution. "To counter this narrative and shed this blame, farmers must take the lead in adopting sustainable practices," Mehma said.
He also urged the government to address the rapidly depleting groundwater levels and the issue of paddy straw by promoting crop diversification. Mehma called for a comprehensive state-level agriculture policy and a guaranteed remunerative price for all crops to support farmers and ensure sustainable farming practices across Punjab.