Minister warns ryots against stubble burning, explains its adverse impact

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao addressed the farmers on Tuesday. Secretary K. Surendra Mohan (left) and Whip Ch. Vijaya Ramana Rao (right), see. | Photo credit: By arrangement

HYDERABAD

Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao warned farmers against stubble burning, highlighting its adverse impact on soil quality and nutrition. He also asked the ministry officials to educate the farmers about it.

In the program on Tuesday, Rythu Nestham from Hyderabad also explained to the farmers the possible impact of El Nino, impending problems in urea supply, soil conservation and crop selection based on soil quality. He said some farmers have resorted to tillage as part of preparing their land for the next crop.

However, such a measure would seriously affect soil health and damage crops. He explained that the organic material in the topsoil would be completely destroyed by burning the stubble and the natural nutrients in the soil would be affected. As a result, even fertilizers would not give the right results.

He said that if the government comes to know about such incidents, action will be taken against the officials concerned. Stating that the Center is also taking the matter seriously, Mr. Nageswara Rao said as per the National Green Tribunal guidelines that farmers will be penalized if they resort to stubble burning, he explained the impact of the practice in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh on the environment and weather in New Delhi every year.

Regarding the supply of urea, he said that the Centre’s stand was a big disappointment citing the conflict in West Asia as the reason affecting the import of urea. At the same time, the Center was not increasing the production of urea in the country to meet the needs. He also faulted the center for not procuring maize, jowar and sunflower to help the farming community.

Published – 26 May 2026 21:13 IST