The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in Haryana has barred 38 farmers from selling crops at MSP in the next 2 procurement seasons. This strict step has been taken to curb stubble burning. This action was initiated after the circular issued by the Director of the department, in which instructions have been given to take strict action against those who burn crop residues. Red entry has been recorded in the ‘Meri Fasal, Mera Byora’ records of these farmers. This will ban the sale of crops through the e-procurement portal, which ensures procurement at MSP.
In the circular issued by the department, the need for strict action has been emphasized. This includes registering FIRs against farmers burning stubble and marking them out of the procurement process for 2 sessions. Government officials negligent in preventing such incidents were also warned of consequences. Karnal Deputy Agriculture Director Dr. Wazir Singh said, ‘We had earlier filed 9 FIRs. Following the latest instructions, red entries were also registered in the MFMB records of the guilty farmers. According to satellite data, a fine of Rs 1,07,500 was imposed on 39 farmers for violating stubble burning rules.
Demand to withdraw the decision to take action against farmers
Former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda has raised questions on this decision. He said that the Haryana government should withdraw its decision to take action against farmers in cases of stubble burning. He said that the government should fix the minimum support price for stubble and purchase it from farmers. The action taken by the government against farmers regarding stubble burning is completely condemnable. The government should withdraw this anti-farmer decision. He said that instead of imposing fines on farmers, registering FIRs against them and red listing them, the government should work on its solution.
