Punjab seeks Rs.2K cr from Centre to stop paddy straw burning

Punjab has sought 2,000 crore rupees from the central government for farmers so that they can remove paddy straw without burning it to check pollution and soil damage.

The demand was raised by Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh at a meeting in New Delhi yesterday with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh.The Punjab chief minister told reporters after the meeting that



Agriculture Minister has assured that he will look into the matter and final call will be taken after agriculture and environment ministries make a recommendation in this regard. 

Farmers in Haryana and Punjab set paddy straw and stubble ablaze every year to prepare ground for the next crop. In the process, they damage soil quality and cause heavy pollution.