Hyderabad: The Telangana government intensified efforts to prevent crop residue burning amid concerns over soil fertility, environmental damage and public health.
Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao directed officials to conduct extensive awareness programmes among farmers across the state.
Speaking during the “Rythu Nestham” programme on Tuesday, the minister said preventing crop residue burning was a collective responsibility.
He urged farmers, scientists, agriculture officials and public representatives to work together and promote scientific farming methods.
The minister said burning agricultural waste destroyed organic carbon and beneficial microorganisms in the soil.
According to him, the practice reduced soil fertility and negatively affected crop productivity.
He also warned that agricultural waste burning increased air pollution and caused respiratory, eye and skin-related health problems.
Crop residue burning impacts soil fertility
Tummala Nageswara Rao referred to recent fire accidents linked to agricultural waste burning in which farmers lost their lives.
He advised farmers to avoid setting crop residue on fire and remain cautious during field-clearing activities.
The minister said mixing crop residue into the soil improved moisture retention and increased organic carbon levels.
He also stated that the method reduced fertiliser expenses and improved crop yields.
According to the minister, the government was ready to provide rotavators, mulchers and shredders on subsidy to farmers.
Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University chief scientist Ram Anjaneyulu explained the scientific and environmental damage caused by agricultural waste burning.
Farmers from several districts also shared their experiences during the programme.
They explained how residue management methods helped improve crop productivity without burning farm waste.
Agriculture Secretary K. Surendramohan said the department was conducting campaigns on balanced fertiliser usage, soil testing and scientific farming.
Officials also warned that burning crop residue violated environmental protection rules and could attract penalties.
The government urged farmers to adopt residue management methods to protect soil fertility and the environment.