Madhya Pradesh Bans Benefits for Stubble Burners

Madhya Pradesh Bans Benefits for Stubble Burners

Why in the News?

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced that farmers engaging in stubble burning will lose access to government benefits under the CM Kisan Kalyan Scheme and Minimum Support Price (MSP) from May 1, to curb rising environmental damage.

 

Government’s New Measures Against Stubble Burning:

  • Farmers found burning stubble will be disqualified from receiving ₹6,000 annual aid under the CM Kisan Kalyan Scheme.
  • Their crops will also be excluded from MSP procurement in the following year.
  • The decision was taken during a Revenue Department review meeting chaired by CM Mohan Yadav.
  • The new guidelines will be implemented from May 1, 2025.

Rationale Behind the Strict Action

  • Stubble burning causes air pollution, soil degradation, and loss of soil nutrients.
  • Despite a State ban, the practice continues, prompting stricter penalties.
  • Madhya Pradesh recorded 24,953 stubble burning cases between April 1–24, the highest in India, according to IARI data.

Enforcement and Penalties

  • Farmers caught burning stubble are being fined and booked under relevant laws.
  • In Indore district alone, 102 farmers were booked in a single day, with fines totaling ₹3.09 lakh.
  • Authorities are intensifying monitoring to curb the practice across the State.

Stubble Burning and Effects

About Stubble Burning:

●      Stubble burning is the practice of burning agricultural residues left after harvest, mainly during winter months.

●      Common after paddy harvest to prepare for wheat sowing, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

●      Mostly required where combined harvesting leaves significant crop residue on fields.

Effects of Stubble Burning:

●      Releases harmful gases like Methane (CH₄), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and carcinogenic hydrocarbons.

●      Causes formation of toxic smog, severely impacting human respiratory health.

●      Destroys soil nutrients, reducing soil fertility.

●      High temperatures lead to moisture loss and kill beneficial soil microbes.