Want to Protect Your Wheat Crop from Fire? Follow These Key Safety Tips During Harvesting

Tips to Protect Your Crop from Fire

Krishi Dunia

• 24 Mar, 2025 12:03 PM IST ,
• Updated Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:54 PM

Wheat and other Rabi crops are currently being harvested rapidly across Madhya Pradesh and many other regions of India. This year, wheat production is expected to be higher than usual. However, incidents of field fires caused by short circuits and strong winds are also on the rise.

In Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh, several farmers have already lost their standing wheat crops to fire. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to take special precautions during the harvesting period.

Tips to Protect Your Crop from Fire:

1. Stay Vigilant in the Fields:

• If your field has electric wires or poles, stay extra cautious.
• Strong winds can cause wires to collide, leading to short circuits and potential fires.

2. Keep Water Arrangements Ready:

• Fill tractor-mounted spray machine tanks with water in advance.
• These machines can act like mini fire brigades, helping to control and stop fire from spreading.
• Each village typically has 5-6 spray machines that can be used in emergencies.

3. Don’t Delay Harvesting:

• Farmers with fully matured wheat crops should harvest them as soon as possible.
• Handle partially matured crops with care and take preventive safety measures to guard against fire.

What to Do in Case of Fire?

• Immediately inform the fire brigade if a fire breaks out in your field.
• Report the crop damage to your insurance company within 72 hours (3 days) to be eligible for compensation.

Burning Crop Residue Will Lead to Heavy Fines:

• Burning wheat stubble (residue) after harvesting is strictly prohibited.
• This practice causes environmental pollution and reduces soil fertility.
• According to the Madhya Pradesh government notification (dated 15.05.2017), burning crop residue can result in a fine of up to ₹15,000 and legal action.

Message to Farmers: Stay alert during wheat harvesting. Prepare in advance, follow safety measures, and adhere to government regulations to avoid accidents and safeguard your hard work from fire hazards.