West Midnapore: Farmers Burn Fields, Destroy Soil Fertility & Ripe Paddy

• Widespread land burning is occurring in West Medinipur (Ghatal, Chandrakona, Daspur), destroying ripe paddy and causing concern.
• Despite an administration ban and awareness campaigns, land is being set on fire, often by farmers burning stubble or by others.
• The Agriculture Department warns that burning land decreases soil fertility, kills beneficial organisms, and increases pollution.
• This practice results in significant losses for farmers and keeps firefighters busy responding to frequent incidents.

Why It Matters: Stubble burning in West Medinipur harms soil, crops, and environment.