Farmers Burning Dry Grass After Harvest Threatens Environment
In Mancherial, the practice of burning dry grass and crop residue after paddy harvest is becoming a growing environmental concern. Traditionally, farmers stored grass for livestock, but with a decline in livestock farming in villages, this need has reduced. Additionally, large paddy stalks are left behind in fields as harvesting is now largely done with machines.
To prepare fields for the next crop, many farmers burn the dry grass and stalks. However, this practice is causing significant harm to both the soil and the atmosphere. Burning crop residue destroys essential soil nutrients and releases harmful pollutants into the air.
Agricultural officials, who are expected to address such issues, appear to be ignoring the situation. Many people believe that farmers resort to burning due to a lack of awareness about its negative effects. Critics argue that officials have failed to conduct proper awareness programs in villages to educate farmers on better alternatives.
Local residents are frustrated with the negligence shown by agricultural authorities. Experts point out that officials seem preoccupied with administrative tasks and rely on information from newspapers instead of engaging directly with farmers. There is widespread criticism that the district’s agricultural machinery is not taking sufficient steps to organize field-level awareness campaigns to tackle this pressing issue.
