Farmer Leader Suresh Koth Criticizes Haryana’s Stubble Burning Policies
In Ambala, Haryana, farmer leader Suresh Koth has voiced strong criticism against the Haryana government’s strict measures on stubble burning. The government has imposed severe penalties, including filing FIRs against farmers who burn stubble and denying them the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crops. During a visit to the grain market in Ambala, Koth expressed his dissatisfaction, suggesting that if the government provided stubble management machines in every village, farmers would not resort to burning stubble.
Koth argued that industries, not farmers, are the main contributors to pollution and urged the government to address these root causes instead of penalizing farmers. He also raised concerns about deductions made during paddy purchases due to moisture content, asserting that farmers would ensure every grain is sold despite these challenges.
Additionally, Koth appointed local farmer leader Sukhwinder Singh Jalbeda as the district head of his union, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to advocating for farmers’ rights. Koth stated, “The farmers’ contribution to pollution is just 3 to 4 percent. The major amount of pollution is because of industries and vehicles. We urge the government not to show so much dictatorship towards the farmers.”
The Haryana government, following the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) directions, has ordered FIRs against farmers burning paddy crop residue from September 15. A red entry in the Meri Fasal Mera Bayora (MFMB) record will restrict these farmers from selling their crops in the mandis through the e-Kharid portal for the next two seasons.
Doubts Revealed
Suresh Koth -: Suresh Koth is a leader who represents farmers. He speaks on behalf of farmers and tries to solve their problems.
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover parts of crops after harvesting. It is done to clear the field for the next crop but can cause air pollution.
Haryana -: Haryana is a state in northern India. It is known for its agriculture and is one of the major farming regions in the country.
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document prepared by the police when they receive information about a crime.
Minimum Support Price (MSP) -: Minimum Support Price is a price set by the government to buy crops from farmers. It ensures that farmers get a fair price for their produce.
Pollution Contributors -: Pollution contributors are things or activities that cause pollution. In this context, industries are being blamed for causing more pollution than farmers.
Stubble Management Machines -: Stubble management machines are tools that help farmers manage leftover crop parts without burning them. They help in reducing pollution.
Sukhwinder Singh Jalbeda -: Sukhwinder Singh Jalbeda is a person appointed by Suresh Koth to help represent and fight for farmers’ rights in a specific district.
