Farmers Demand Subsidized Machinery to Prevent Stubble Burning
In Chandigarh, Haryana, farmer leader Prem Singh Bhangu highlighted the challenges faced by farmers, emphasizing the need for subsidized machinery to prevent stubble burning. Bhangu explained that farmers have a short window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, making it difficult to clear fields without burning stubble. He urged the government to provide machinery at subsidized rates and offer bonuses to farmers who avoid burning.
Bharti Kissan Union-Kadian spokesperson Ravneet Brar echoed these sentiments, calling for suitable compensation for farmers. Brar criticized the government’s inconsistent support, noting that previous subsidies on tractors were ineffective. He urged the government to provide more substantial aid, such as two tractors per village in Punjab.
Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Malook Nagar suggested that the government should seek advanced technologies from abroad to address the issue. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has summoned the Chief Secretaries of Punjab and Haryana to explain the lack of legal action against stubble burning.
In Delhi, Congress leader Abhishek Dutta criticized the local government for failing to address air pollution, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) dropped to a ‘Poor’ level of 226. Dutta accused the AAP government of neglecting the issue, leaving Delhi residents to suffer.
Doubts Revealed
Prem Singh Bhangu -: Prem Singh Bhangu is a leader who represents farmers. He speaks on behalf of farmers to get them the help they need.
Subsidized Machinery -: Subsidized machinery means machines that are made cheaper by the government. This helps farmers buy them to avoid burning stubble.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover parts of crops after harvesting. It causes a lot of smoke and pollution.
Bharti Kissan Union-Kadian -: Bharti Kissan Union-Kadian is a group that represents farmers’ interests. They work to get better conditions and support for farmers.
Rashtriya Lok Dal -: Rashtriya Lok Dal is a political party in India. They focus on issues important to farmers and rural communities.
Delhi’s air quality -: Delhi’s air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is in Delhi. Poor air quality means the air is dirty and can be harmful to breathe.
