Punjab sees significant drop in stubble burning, surpasses Haryana

NORTH NEWS

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 25

Punjab has recorded a notable decrease in stubble burning incidents, with a 16% drop in farm fires reported till October 23, 2024, compared to the same period last year. The state logged 1,638 incidents this year, down from 1,946 in 2023. In contrast, Haryana has managed an 8% reduction in stubble burning over the same timeframe.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian revealed that the state achieved an 88% decline in farm fires from 2020, compared to a 56% drop in Haryana. This progress is significant given Punjab’s 32 lakh hectares of paddy fields, more than double Haryana’s.

Khudian highlighted Punjab’s efforts in providing over 13,600 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines to farmers this year, bringing the total to 1.43 lakh machines since 2018. Additionally, 8,000 nodal officers have been appointed to curb stubble burning and raise awareness. The launch of the “Unnat Kisan” mobile app, mapping 1.3 lakh CRM machines, is designed to make stubble management more accessible for small farmers.

The state has also implemented a Rs. 500 crore action plan for stubble management, underscoring the Punjab government’s commitment to tackling this environmental issue.