Lahore (PR) :A strict and comprehensive ban on the burning of paddy rice stubble in Punjab’s fields has been enforced. The provincial government has launched decisive action under a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing the air quality index to combat smog effectively. As part of this initiative, the distribution of 5,000 super seeders and 2,000 rice super seeders to farmers has commenced to facilitate the destruction of crop residues. Furthermore, the Punjab government is offering a 60% subsidy on the acquisition of agricultural machinery for residue management and non-burning rice cultivation. This subsidy aims to incentivize farmers to refrain from burning crop residues, thereby ensuring public health safety and mitigating smog.
In a statement released today, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced that, following the directive of the Chief Minister Punjab, the collection of applications from farmers has begun, with the deadline for submission extended to May 7. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has allocated Rs.5 billion for this farmer-friendly and environmentally conscious program. She highlighted that the program’s initial phase targets the 21 districts worst affected by smog, including Gujranwala, Kasur, Okara, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, Narowal, Pakpattan, Okara, Hafizabad, Faisalabad, Vehari, Gujrat, Toba Tek Singh, Khanewal, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhang, Multan, Lahore, Chiniot and Lodhran.
Research indicates that 58% of smoke-related pollution and smog stem from the burning of crop residues. The approximately 350,000 tons of smoke generated from burning crop residues pose a significant environmental and health challenge, particularly endangering children with life-threatening diseases. She emphasized that burning paddy rice residues exacerbates the emergence of deadly diseases due to smog and pollution.
Furthermore, Marriyum Aurangzeb highlighted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s progressive measures will propel Punjab’s journey towards modern farming, yielding positive effects on the region’s overall economic system. Subsidies on modern agricultural machinery will not only alleviate farmers’ labor burdens but also safeguard the environment from toxic smoke, thus preventing diseases and discomfort among the populace.
