RAHIM YAR KHAN: The Agriculture Extension Department of Rahim Yar Khan organised a convention of village headmen (numberdars) at Jinnah Hall, District Council, to raise awareness among farmers and support the effective implementation of the Punjab government’s Smog Mitigation Plan.
Assistant Commissioner Abdul Hannan Khan chaired the convention and urged farmers to avoid burning crop residues, particularly rice stubble, to help control smog and air pollution.
He warned that burning crop residues could lead to a fine of Rs15,000 per acre and the registration of an FIR.
Deputy Director Agriculture Extension Dr Muhammad Masood Saleem briefed participants on the harmful effects of crop residue burning on soil health and agricultural productivity. He explained that burning residues damages organic matter, beneficial microorganisms and essential nutrients in the soil, reducing its fertility and overall health.
Assistant Director Agriculture Extension Muhammad Asghar Shahbaz urged farmers to use modern agricultural machinery and environment-friendly methods to manage crop residues instead of burning them.
Senior Agriculture Officer Muhammad Zamir Jafar also explained the benefits of incorporating crop residues into the soil to improve its health and support sustainable farming.
Senior Agriculture Officer Nasir Abbas, Tehsildar Muhammad Iqbal Abbasi and a large number of numberdars attended the convention.
The participating numberdars pledged to play an active role in preventing crop residue burning, supporting smog control efforts and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the district.
