Surjewala Demands Answers: ‘What Is the Alternative to Stubble Burning?’

New Delhi, October 19, 2024: Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala on Friday sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for its recent order targeting farmers who burn stubble, claiming it is an attempt to “abolish the Minimum Support Price (MSP)” through indirect means. Surjewala accused the Haryana government of launching an “anti-farmer conspiracy,” citing that the farmers’ livelihoods are under threat.

The Haryana state government, following directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), issued an order stating that FIRs should be filed against farmers found burning paddy crop residue during the current season, starting from September 15, 2024. Additionally, farmers with such infractions will face a “red entry” in their Meri Fasal Mera Bayora (MFMB) records, preventing them from selling crops in state mandis via the e-Kharid portal for the next two seasons.

Reacting to this, Surjewala said, “On the very first day of the formation of the Haryana government, the BJP issued an order to abolish the MSP of farmers. On one hand, an FIR will be registered against the farmer for burning stubble, and on the other hand, their crops will not be purchased at MSP for two years. This is a direct anti-farmer conspiracy… because farmers did not vote for the BJP in Haryana.”

The Congress MP questioned the practicality of the government’s order, asking for feasible alternatives to stubble burning. “If farmers do not burn stubble, what is the alternative? Will Nayab Singh Saini tell how many farmers of Haryana have been provided a Happy Seeder Machine? Even after a 50% subsidy, the cost of the machine is up to ₹75,000, which is unaffordable for small and poor farmers,” Surjewala remarked.

Demanding that the Haryana government address farmers’ needs, Surjewala warned of a possible “nationwide movement” if the orders were not reconsidered. He also raised concerns about the efficacy of the Happy Seeder Machine, citing feedback from farmers and agricultural experts about its potential to reduce crop productivity.

In response, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini commended the farmers for complying with the stubble burning ban. “Our farmers are aware and responsible. They have been praised by the Supreme Court. We are providing instruments at subsidized rates, and I am confident our farmers will continue to support these measures,” he said.

The debate over stubble burning continues to stir emotions across the farming community, with concerns about its impact on MSP policies, environmental regulations, and farmers’ livelihoods taking center stage.