Stop Blaming Farmers, Set Up Rice BioParks To Convert Stubble Into Income, Says Father Of Green Revolution
Swaminathan's role in science, agriculture as well as public policy for over six decades has been widely recognised. He is primarily known for his contributions in the Green Revolution that changed the course of Indian farming.
The spread and impact of air pollution are visible in North India currently as for well over a week, the AQI continues to remain in the very poor category in most parts. India¡¯s national capital faced the worst brunt of it and thick clouds of smog engulfed the city which was once synonymous with blue and clear skies.
Although there are many factors responsible for pollution, stubble burning in the adjoining states of Punjab and Haryana have been blamed as the most pressing factor.
Stressing on the importance of identifying and working on major reasons behind this sordid state of affairs, Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, the father of Green Revolution, has objected to blind blaming of farmers for the smog mess and toxic levels of pollution in New Delhi.
The air pollution in Delhi has become a matter of public health concern nationally and internationally. Farmers are being blamed by many including the Chief Minister of Delhi for burning stubble and thereby causing atmospheric pollution. 1/4
¡ª M S Swaminathan (@msswaminathan) November 4, 2019
¡°We should stop blaming farmers since it will take us nowhere. Instead, we should propose methods which are economically and ecologically desirable,¡± the much revered agricultural scientist wrote in a series of tweets.
In South India stubble is not burnt as there's economic value as animal feed. For years I pointed out many economic uses of rice straw. We should adopt a do-ecology approach with farmers to convert rice stubble into income rather than making them agents of eco-disaster. 2/4
¡ª M S Swaminathan (@msswaminathan) November 4, 2019
He added, "In South India stubble is not burnt as there's economic value as animal feed. For years I pointed out many economic uses of rice straw. We should adopt a do-ecology approach with farmers to convert rice stubble into income rather than making them agents of eco-disaster."
Recently @mssrf established a Rice BioPark at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs & inaugurated by our Hon President of India. The rice biopark shows how stubble can be utilized to make products including paper, cardboard and animal feed. 3/4
¡ª M S Swaminathan (@msswaminathan) November 4, 2019
Recently @mssrf established a Rice BioPark at Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs & inaugurated by our Hon President of India. The rice biopark shows how stubble can be utilized to make products including paper, cardboard and animal feed. 3/4
¡ª M S Swaminathan (@msswaminathan) November 4, 2019
Pointing out a probable solution to the stubble menace, he wrote that a Rice BioPark at Nay Pyi Taw was established in Myanmar, funded by the Ministry of External Affairs & inaugurated by Indian President. The noted scientist said that the rice bio park shows how stubble can be utilized to make products including paper, cardboard and animal feed.
I suggest that the Delhi, Haryana and UP govts put up Rice BioParks where farmers can convert stubble into income and employment. We should stop blaming farmers since it will take us nowhere. Instead we should propose methods which are economically & ecologically desirable. 4/4
¡ª M S Swaminathan (@msswaminathan) November 4, 2019
Swaminathan's role in science, agriculture as well as public policy for over six decades has been widely recognised. He is primarily known for his contributions in the Green Revolution that changed the course of Indian farming.
