Organic farming and the use of Leaf-Cum-Post Waste (LCV) are being actively promoted across Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow : The Yogi government has marked significant progress in agriculture and environmental management, achieving a remarkable decline in stubble-burning incidents over the past seven years.

In 2017, Uttar Pradesh recorded 8,784 cases of stubble burning, a figure that dropped to just 3,996 cases in 2023, showcasing a reduction of 4,788 (over 50%) cases.

This success stems from policies that encourage farmers to utilize stubble as a source of income rather than burning it, resulting in economic benefits for farmers and advancements in environmental protection.

Acting on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh recently reviewed the state’s stubble management efforts. The review revealed that Uttar Pradesh annually generates 2.096 crore metric tonnes of stubble, of which 34.44 lakh metric tonnes are used as fodder and 16.78 lakh metric tonnes for other purposes.

Additionally, 1.58 crore metric tonnes are managed through in-situ and ex-situ methods, significantly reducing stubble burning and its associated pollution. This strategic management has improved air quality and created new revenue streams for farmers through the industrial and domestic use of crop residues.

The Yogi government’s initiative to industrialize stubble usage has generated employment opportunities in rural areas, with paddy straw now used in a variety of products.

Simultaneously, efforts to promote organic farming and the application of Leaf Cum Post Waste (LCV) have enhanced soil fertility and provided farmers with access to new markets, increasing their income.

Districts like Maharajganj (468 cases), Jhansi (151 cases), Kushinagar (118 cases), and Fatehpur (111 cases) have set benchmarks through efficient stubble management and awareness campaigns.

The Yogi government’s focus on crop residue management has not only curbed pollution, but also strengthened the rural economy and environmental sustainability.