Multan: Punjab Agriculture Department has forbidden farmers including the paddy growers from burning stubble declaring it was an offense punishable under environmental protection law.
Agriculture spokesman said in a statement on Friday that burning the residues and stubble of rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane and other crops is a punishable offence under section 7 of Punjab Environmental Protection Laws 2023.
The spokesperson said that the early-sown rice crop in some areas of Punjab is now ready for harvest and advised farmers to strictly avoid burning rice residues after the harvest.
The smoke produced by the practice contributes to smog and poses serious risks to human life and health. In addition, stubble burning increases air pollution and damages organic matter present in the soil, adversely affecting its fertility.
The spokesman warned that farmers involved in burning rice residues may face arrest, punishment and fines.
Farmers have been advised to harvest their rice crop using scientific methods and in consultation with local agricultural experts of the agriculture department.
