Mustabad: Farmers in Mustabad Mandal were sensitized under the Telangana Development Forum (TDF) Jai Kisan initiative, emphasizing the harmful effects of burning paddy stubble. The program provided farmers with Single Super Phosphate (SSP) and waste decomposer kits free of cost.
Experts highlighted that burning paddy stubble damages soil fertility by destroying essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. It also kills beneficial microorganisms and farmer-friendly insects, reducing crop yields. Residual stubble, which could enhance soil health, is lost due to burning. The practice also harms biodiversity, killing snakes, monitor lizards, peacocks, and other creatures, disrupting the ecological balance. Greenery on field bunds and mounds is destroyed, causing environmental damage. Additionally, delayed harvesting poses a risk of fires that could damage standing crops.
Farmers were advised to use harvesters to cut paddy stalks closer to the ground, making the straw useful as cattle fodder. They were encouraged to use a paddy thresher machine, available through cooperative societies, to shred stubble, improving soil fertility. TDF-India President Matta Rajeshwar Reddy thanked TR Reddy, former chairman of TDF-USA, for financially supporting this project.
District Congress Secretary Kondam Rajireddy urged farmers to adopt natural farming methods and announced plans for an awareness seminar on natural farming for Mustabad Mandal farmers.
Award-winning farmer Chiguru Naresh explained the usage of SSP and waste decomposer kits in simple terms. Agricultural Extension Officer Anusha encouraged farmers to contact their village Agricultural Extension Officer for any assistance or information.
The event witnessed the participation of several dignitaries, including Pothkal Market Committee Chairperson Talari Rani, Vice Chairman Velumula Ramireddy, former Sarpanch Kishan Rao, Mustabad Mandal Congress President Ella Bal Reddy, and Agricultural Officer Anusha, along with Agricultural Extension Officers from 16 villages. Farmers and locals, including Keerthana, Soumya, Revathi, Akhila, Venkatesh, and Naresh, also attended the program.
