Combines without ‘Super Straw Management System’ will not be allowed to operate
Kapurthala, October 5: Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal on Monday said that the district administration had imposed a complete ban on paddy harvesting with combine harvesters from 6 PM to 10 AM in Kapurthala district. He said that the harvesting of paddy with any combine harvester without a Super Straw Management System (SSMS) had also been strictly prohibited.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the restriction on night-time harvesting had been imposed as dew during the night increase the moisture content of paddy, which could affect the procurement process and cause inconvenience to farmers at the grain markets. He said that adherence to the prescribed harvesting timings would help ensure that the paddy brought to the mandis meets the required quality parameters and facilitate smooth procurement. He cautioned combine harvester owners and operators to strictly comply with the prescribed timings and ensure that the Super Straw Management System was installed. Any combine found operating during the prohibited hours or without the prescribed Super Straw Management System will face strict action as per the applicable rules.
The Deputy Commissioner also reiterated that burning of paddy straw is completely prohibited. He said that stubble burning causes severe air pollution and can lead to respiratory and other health-related problems. The practice also adversely affects soil health by destroying beneficial microorganisms and nutrients, thereby reducing soil fertility over time. He further said that smoke generated from stubble burning reduces visibility on roads, disrupting traffic movement and increasing the risk of road accidents. Besides, uncontrolled fires can spread to standing crops, agricultural fields and nearby residential areas, posing a serious threat to life and property.
