Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has voiced his opposition to the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against farmers involved in stubble burning. He reiterated the importance of providing financial assistance from the central government to farmers who opt not to burn crop residue. His comments were made just days before the commencement of the paddy harvesting season in Punjab, where farmers are advocating for a cash incentive of Rs 3,000 per acre to manage stubble effectively.

The issue of stubble burning has significant implications, particularly as it reportedly contributes to increasing air pollution levels in the Delhi-NCR region. Following the paddy harvest in October and November, farmers face a race against time to clear their fields for the rabi wheat crop, typically resulting in many resorting to burning leftover crop residue. This practice remains a contentious point in discussions about environmental damage and public health.

During an event marking the inauguration of the two-day Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana, Mann highlighted the usual blame directed towards Punjab farmers for pollution emanating from stubble burning. He noted that while the Centre acknowledges Punjab’s contribution of 180 lakh metric tonnes of paddy to the national pool, it often overlooks the proportion of crop residue involved in that total. Mann expressed concern over the proposal to register FIRs against farmers, stating the logic behind such claims appeared flawed.

Call for Financial Support for Farmers

Mann articulated his stance that farmers do not wish to burn paddy stubble, as they are also adversely affected by the smoke produced in the process. He stated that he had previously communicated to the Centre the necessity of creating financial support structures for farmers to manage crop residues rather than penalising them.

Mann referenced pollution impacts extending beyond Indian borders, quoting remarks from Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who indicated that smoke from stubble burning also affects Lahore. The Chief Minister challenged the narrative that only Punjab’s emissions contribute to the air quality problems in the region, questioning if pollutants from neighbouring states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are being ignored.

He emphasized the need to refrain from vilifying Punjab farmers and suggested a collaborative approach to address the issue collectively rather than attributing blame solely to one region. Some farmer organisations are interpreting Mann’s statements as politically motivated, particularly with upcoming Assembly elections in mind.

Leaders from Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and BKU (Lakhowal) have called for the revocation of existing FIRs against farmers for stubble burning, insisting that the focus should shift to providing the required financial incentives to facilitate better management of stubble.

Recent Trends in Stubble Burning Incidents

Historically, Punjab has witnessed a substantial number of stubble burning incidents, with a stark contrast noted in recent years. Data reveals a drastic 86 per cent reduction in such incidents, decreasing from 36,663 in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024, and further to 5,114 in 2025. In previous years, the state recorded 49,922, 71,304, and 76,590 farm fire events in 2022, 2021, and 2020, respectively, with districts like Sangrur and Mansa seeing a high frequency of occurrences.

The Punjab government has been proactive in combating stubble burning through various awareness campaigns aimed at educating farmers about the health and environmental implications of this practice. Additionally, the state provides subsidised crop residue management equipment to assist farmers in transitioning away from burning.

Moreover, financial support of 50 per cent for individual farmers and 80 per cent for cooperative organisations and panchayats. In conclusion, Mann’s statements highlight his opposition to punitive measures directed at farmers while advocating for improved financial support systems to address stubble management, echoing concerns as the harvest season approaches.

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