1 week Ago By Pramel Kumar Gupta
Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district is facing the dual challenges posed by rising temperatures and the intensive summer moong cropping system. On April 7, the district recorded a scorching 44.3°C, finding a spot among the top five hottest places in India.
Just two days earlier, a man-made fire disaster in the district destroyed nearly 100 acres of standing wheat crop, highlighting the growing environmental risks tied to farming practices under extreme weather conditions. Narmadapuram leads Madhya Pradesh in summer moong (green gram) cultivation, covering more than 350,000 hectares. With growing demand and the promise of quick returns, farmers are determined to grow summer moong at any cost.
Fueling the fire Due to rising temperatures, the practice of early wheat harvesting has become prevalent. Farmers who manage to arrange harvesting machinery timely often burn wheat crop residues immediately afterward — without considering the consequences of strong winds. This risky practice is largely aimed at preparing the fields for the next crop.
According to a local farmer named Munna Lal Nagwanshi from Bankhedi village, burning residues has become a routine step to accelerate field preparation. He also shared that farmers resort to using herbicides and chemicals like Paraquat to induce faster ripening of the moong crop — posing serious health and environmental risks. In response, the district administration has initiated Kisan Khet Schools across villages to raise awareness about the dangers of residue burning and excessive pesticide use.
Despite these efforts, harmful practices continue, contributing to air pollution, soil degradation, and the risk of unsafe food production — especially concerning as moong is considered a staple in healthy diets prescribed by doctors. On an average, summer moong yields around 14 quintals per hectare, but the pressure to improve returns is pushing some farmers toward unsustainable methods. Ironically, a crop known for its health benefits is increasingly being produced in ways that may make it unsafe for consumption.
The ongoing heat, worsened by crop residue burning, further contributes to the district’s soaring temperatures. Munna Lal also expressed concern for marginal and small farmers, who are deeply worried about the impact of extreme heat in May and June — likely leading to water scarcity, livestock stress, biodiversity loss, and human suffering. In this context, it is critical for government bodies, communities, civil society, and markets to come together.
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