Khammam: A farmer was fined Rs 5,000 by the Thirumalapuram Gram Panchayat in Nelakondapalli mandal of Khammam district for allegedly burning paddy stubble (crop residue), an agricultural practice prohibited under Telangana government regulations.

According to local officials, the farmer, Banoth Krishna Rao, was found burning crop residue in his field on Tuesday evening. Gram Panchayat authorities imposed the penalty and issued a receipt along with a warning against repeating the practice.

District Agriculture Officer D. Pullaiah and District Panchayat Officer Rambabu stated that open burning of crop residue is illegal and urged farmers to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives. They advised farmers to convert crop residue into compost or utilize it for other productive purposes.

The officials noted that stubble burning contributes to environmental pollution and damages soil health by destroying organic matter and beneficial microorganisms. This can adversely affect soil fertility and reduce the productivity of future crops.

They further stated that under Government Order (GO) Ms. No. 27 issued by the Telangana Government, burning waste and crop residues in open areas is strictly prohibited. The order provides for a penalty of Rs 5,000 for small-scale violations and fines of up to Rs 25,000 for large-scale crop residue burning.

The officials appealed to farmers to adopt sustainable residue-management practices in order to protect the environment, conserve soil health and improve agricultural productivity.