Lucknow, Oct 14 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday appealed to the farmers not to burn stubble or crop residue in the fields as it has an adverse impact on the environment. He was speaking at a workshop on the National Clean Air Programme organised at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan here.

"There is a need to create awareness on this issue. By burning crop residue you take away the rights of the animals who do not get their share of fodder due to stubble burning. This practice also kills the friendly bacteria and fungi present in the soil. Thus stubble burning damages not only the environment but also the fertility of the soil," Yogi said.

Adityanath said attempts should be made to promote techniques among the farmers that the stubble is converted into organic fertilizer.

"Over the years, environmental pollution has emerged as a serious global problem. Love for nature and use of technology can help overcome this problem," the chief minister added.

He said his government conducted a successful experiment with waste management during the Kumbh Mela (religious gathering) this year at Prayagraj, which was lauded the world over.

"If the government makes a planned and concerted effort to fight pollution, we can definitely achieve success", he said.

The ban on single-use plastic is a part of this planned and concerted effort by the government, Yogi said.