SARGODHA: The agriculture department has advised the rice growers in the division, not to set the residues of the crop on fire after harvesting. Talking to reporter here on Tuesday, Director Agriculture Shahid Hussain said that 18,572 farmers across the division cultivated rice crop this year, for which written notices had been issued to them, instructing them not to set the residue of crop on fire after harvesting.
He said that a fine of Rs 15,000 for burning paddy residue on area less than one acre and Rs 20,000 for areas up to ten acres would be imposed while over violation arrest and fines of up to Rs 500,000 would also be imposed. The Director Agriculture said that this year, the rice crop was cultivated over 177,000 acres in all four districts while the set target would easily be achieved.
Shahid Hussain further said that setting rice residues on fire reduces soil fertility and increases the need for fertilizers in the next crop season. Burning crop residues could also contribute to smog and the spread of infectious diseases, he said. He advised the farmers to continue rice cultivation as per the recommended practices, use water sparingly, and be cautious about the attack of white-backed and brown plant hoppers, emphasizing the need for appropriate pest control measures during the season.