Stubble rakes in moolah for Ludhiana farmers

JARGARI (KHANNA): At a time when Punjab farmers are being blamed for polluting the air by burning stubble, a farmer's family in Jargari village in Ludhiana has not only avoided burning the leftover straw, but is supplying 1,800 tonnes of stubble to a power generating unit, earning Rs 23 lakh in the process.
The family of Avtar Singh (45), including his two sons (Baldev and Taranjeet), cousin Bagga, his brother and nephews have signed a Rs23-lakh contract with the unit on Amloh Road.They also collect straw from many farmers in their village.
Avtar said a farmer in Turmuri village had told him about stubble being used for power generation by a unit. He added that after getting details about the process to sell the stubble to the unit, they decided to acquire machinery for the purpose.
"Apart from preventing pollution due to stubble burning, this practice helps farmers earn money as well," said Avtar, a progressive farmer. He added that this year, they had signed a contract for selling 1,800 tonnes of stubble to the unit at a cost of Rs23 lakh.
Bagga said earlier, they used to burn stubble like other farmers, but did not feel good about it, as they and their children and grandchildren faced respiratory problems.