Stubble burning is not a “political issue” and the states should work towards curbing it, he said.
The minister said that the PUSA decomposer, created by the agricultural research organisation ICAR, is helpful in reducing stubble burning and urged state governments and farmers to employ more of these equipments.
“Despite providing crores of rupees and 2 lakh machines, stubble burning incidents are rising and it is a cause of concern,” Tomar said in his address at a day-long event on ‘Pusa decomposer’.
“Since 2018-19, the Central government has provided Rs 3,138 crore to four states Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for the management of stubble burning. Out of which, more than Rs 1,400 crore has been given to Punjab, Rs 900 crore to Haryana, Rs 713 crore to Uttar Pradesh and Rs 6-7 crore to Delhi,” he said.
Some states, especially Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have done good work and are moving towards a positive direction, he added.
“At that time, it was said that had decomposer machines been deployed, stubble burning would have been effectively controlled. Thereafter, about two lakh machines were made available to the states,” he said.
If the states are committed, these two lakh machines can aid in reducing stubble burning, Tomar said reporters outside the event.
Inputs from PTI
For more latest Politics News Click Here