Agri dept claims 30pc cut in paddy stubble burning.

LAHORE -- The Punjab agriculture department has claimed that stubble burning practices have been reduced by 30 per cent in the core paddy growing area.

Director-General Extension Dr Anjum Ali told a meeting chaired by Minister for Agriculture Hussain Jahania Gardezi that 2,269 cases of burning paddy residues have been reported this year against 3,224 incidents during the last year.

He claimed that the area where paddy stubble was burnt also saw a decline from 11,619 acres previous season to 8,733 acres this year. Likewise, he said, at least 702 FIRs were registered against the farmers found burning paddy residues this year against 1,503 of last year.

The DG informed the meeting that the department set up 18,000 village volunteer committees to create awareness among the farmers on the issue, while mosques were also being used for the purpose.

The minister called for a survey of the...