Punjab ramps up measures to curb rice residue burning

Lahore: The Punjab Agriculture Department has expanded its fight against rice crop residue burning, a major cause of winter smog, by offering 10,000 super-seeders to farmers at subsidised rates and operating 177 control rooms across the province.

Agriculture and Livestock Minister Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani chaired a high-level meeting in Lahore on Wednesday to review the department's anti-smog measures. He said the province was enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on burning crop residue and directed officials to ensure that rice stubble is cleared through scientific methods rather than set on fire.

Field formations in rice-growing districts have been ordered to step up their awareness campaign and keep close watch on burning incidents. The minister asked them to take action against violators and to report any cases of residue burning promptly. No agricultural fire will be tolerated, he added.

Kirmani said 10,000 super-seeders were being provided to farmers at subsidised rates. He urged wider use of Kubota harvesters, super-seeders and balers for rice harvesting and residue management, saying these machines would help farmers manage stubble without burning.

The minister said the 177 control rooms were operational to monitor and respond to smog-related complaints. He appreciated the department's performance so far and called for continued efforts to stop activities that increase air pollution.

Deputy Secretary Agriculture (Planning) Kashif Bashir, Directors General Agriculture Shehbaz Akhtar, Naveed Asmat Kahloon and Engineer Mushtaq Mir, and Project Coordinator Chaudhry Abdul Hameed attended the meeting, along with other senior officers.

Rice residue burning has for years contributed to the dangerous smog that settles over Lahore and central Punjab each autumn. The crackdown comes as the province enters the rice harvesting season, when farmers traditionally clear fields by burning stubble. According to Business Recorder, the minister also appreciated the department's performance in implementing smog-control measures so far.

ProPakistani also reported that officials had been told to ensure close monitoring in rice belts.