Don’t burn stubble, save farming: Bilaspur farmer shows new path

Bilaspur. In Chhattisgarh, paddy harvesting is in full swing in the last week of November and along with it, a large amount of stubble is lying in the fields. Traditionally, farmers clean their fields by burning this para, but this method has now become a threat to both the soil and the environment. Burning of paras not only destroys organic matter but also reduces soil fertility, reduces carbon level and kills micro-organisms living in the fields. In view of this serious issue, farmer Jadunandan Prasad Verma of Nagar Panchayat Malhar of Bilaspur district has appealed to the farmers not to burn para and has also shared a simple and useful method for how it can be used in farming.

He told Local 18 that after harvesting paddy, farmers burn para to clean the fields, but this destroys the microorganisms, earthworms and carbon elements present in the soil. This reduces fertility in future and affects crop production. Also, smoke mixes with the environment and creates pollution and health problems.

collect and reuse paragraphs
Jadunandan Prasad Verma further said that instead of burning para, it can be collected. If the farmer has livestock, it can become animal feed. With the help of laborers, he himself is collecting the para lying in the fields and using it in his kitchen garden.

Use as mulching in vegetable farming
He said that by laying Para as mulching near the roots of vegetables, soil moisture remains and the need for water is reduced. This method protects the plants in both hot and cold weather and increases organic carbon in the soil as it slowly decomposes.

Mushroom production and organic farming resources
He further said that para mushroom can also be used in production. Many farmers are converting it into value added production and making it a source of additional income. This eliminates the need for burning paras and the farmer gets financial benefits.