Hyderabad: The Telangana Agriculture Department urged farmers to stop crop residue burning and adopt scientific methods to protect soil fertility and the environment.
Officials said farmers were preparing agricultural lands for the upcoming monsoon season after completion of paddy harvesting during the Yasangi season.
According to the department, some farmers were burning crop waste to clear fields quickly before starting the next crop cycle.
However, the Agriculture Department warned that the practice caused more damage than benefits to farmers.
Officials stated that burning agricultural waste destroyed organic carbon and key nutrients present in the soil.
The department also said the practice reduced soil fertility and increased dependence on chemical fertilisers in future.
Crop residue burning increases pollution risks
Officials warned that the practice increased air pollution and created serious health risks for the public.
The department stated that fires could spread rapidly during summer. Officials warned that the incidents could cause property damage and loss of life.
Authorities said environmental rules strictly prohibited open burning of waste under GO Ms No.27.
Officials clarified that people could not burn waste openly on agricultural lands, landfill sites or other locations.
The department said authorities would impose environmental compensation charges on violators.
According to officials, authorities would collect Rs 5,000 as penalty for general waste burning. They would impose Rs 25,000 for large-scale burning.
The department advised farmers to mix crop residue into the soil instead of burning it.
Officials said the method improved soil fertility and increased organic carbon levels. Authorities also stated that it reduced air pollution and improved crop productivity.
The Agriculture Department said field-level awareness programmes were continuing across villages. However, some farmers were still burning agricultural waste despite repeated advisories.
Officials also referred to the recent deaths of farmers Chagarla Chandramouli and Bhagyamma from Bhupalpally district during fire incidents linked to agricultural waste.
Agriculture Director Dr B. Gopi said officials issued memos to district agriculture staff following the incident.
He also instructed officials to intensify awareness campaigns among farmers to prevent similar incidents in future.