Punjab Minister Balbir Singh Discusses Stubble Burning and Farmer Support
In Patiala, Punjab Minister Balbir Singh addressed the issue of stubble burning, expressing concern for farmers and citizens affected by the practice. He emphasized that while the debate continues on whether the smoke reaches Delhi, the immediate impact is on local residents who breathe the same air. Singh stated, “We all have to breathe the same air. Whether or not pollution goes to Delhi is a matter of debate. But the farmer who is burning stubble is the first one to get affected.”
Singh also highlighted the Punjab government’s efforts to uphold the rule of law, referencing Chief Minister Bhagwat Mann’s decision to prosecute Dera chief Ram Rahim Singh in a 2015 blasphemy case. “Punjab government has restored the rule of law and the law will take its course,” Singh remarked.
Furthermore, Singh called for the Union government’s support on issues like paddy procurement and grain weight loss due to moisture. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the Punjab government, Arhtiyas, and farmers, noting that the Chief Minister has raised these concerns with the Union Agriculture Minister.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has criticized the BJP governments in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for failing to control stubble burning, which they claim is worsening Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI).
Doubts Revealed
Stubble Burning -: Stubble burning is when farmers set fire to the leftover stalks of crops, like rice, after harvesting. This is done to clear the field quickly for the next crop. However, it causes a lot of smoke and pollution, which is bad for the air we breathe.
Punjab Minister -: A Punjab Minister is a person who is part of the government in the state of Punjab, India. They help make decisions and solve problems for the people living in Punjab.
Air Quality -: Air quality refers to how clean or polluted the air is. Good air quality means the air is clean and safe to breathe, while poor air quality means the air has harmful substances that can make people sick.
Dera Chief Ram Rahim Singh -: Ram Rahim Singh is a controversial religious leader in India. He has been involved in legal issues and has been prosecuted for various crimes.
Paddy Procurement -: Paddy procurement is the process of buying rice crops from farmers by the government or other agencies. This helps ensure that farmers get a fair price for their crops.
Grain Weight Loss -: Grain weight loss refers to the reduction in the weight of grains like rice or wheat during storage or transportation. This can happen due to moisture loss or pests, affecting the income of farmers.
Arhtiyas -: Arhtiyas are middlemen or agents in the agricultural market who help farmers sell their produce. They play a role in the buying and selling process between farmers and buyers.
Delhi Government -: The Delhi government is the governing body responsible for managing the city of Delhi, the capital of India. They make decisions and policies for the welfare of the people living in Delhi.
BJP-led States -: BJP-led states are those states in India where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power. The BJP is one of the major political parties in India.