BKU opens front against govt. over prohibition on stubble burning

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) has come out in support of the farmers, who have resorted to stubble burning in Karnal, and have opened a front against the government.

"The government made a wrong law and is sending farmers to jail. We are holding protests at different places and have called for 'Kheti choro, jail chalo'," BKU state president Ratan Maan told the media in Karnal.

The BKU also held protests in Ladwa in Haryana's Kurukshetra district on Tuesday.

Maan alleged that the government was singularly targetting the farmers even when other factories cause more pollution.

"Big industries and firecrackers are also causing a damage to the environment. Why not shut industries and ban firecrackers?" Maan said, adding that the farmers had no other option but to burn the stubble, in order to maintain the productivity.

He also said that the farmers would discontinue the practice if the chief minister announces a compensation of Rs. 40,000 per acre of land to all farmers.

Stubble burning has become a major concern for authorities as it causes air pollution as well as reduces soil fertility.

This prompted the government and the district administration to tighten strictures against stubble burning, and book charges against farmers, who are not following orders.

However, the farmers continue the practice, so that they can sow crops for the next season as soon as they can and maintain the level of crop produce.