Punjab's ambitious goal: six districts to be free of farm fires

In a significant move towards curbing paddy stubble burning and fostering eco-friendly practices, the Punjab government has outlined an action plan to reduce such burning by 50% compared to the previous year. This initiative aligns with the state's commitment to mitigating air pollution caused by farm fires.
To facilitate this reduction, the state government has initiated the delivery of 11 different machines on subsidy, including smart seeders, balers, crop reapers, and more, designed to manage paddy stubble effectively. The objective is to dissuade farmers from resorting to burning practices.

Additionally, the government aims to achieve "farm fire-free" status in six districts: Hoshiarpur, Malerkotla, Pathankot, Rupnagar, Mohali, and Nawanshahr. These efforts intend to address the challenges posed by nearly 20 million tonnes of paddy straw generated during the October-November harvest season, which includes 3.3 million tonnes of premium aromatic basmati variety.

Innovative approaches and subsidized machines

To manage this surplus straw, the government plans to handle around 11.5 million tonnes through various in-situ measures and 4.67 million tonnes through ex-situ methods. Subsidized machines for crop residue management are already being distributed, with a total of 23,000 more machines planned to be provided.

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The state has made commendable progress in reducing farm fires, with a recorded decrease from 71,000 cases in 2021 to 49,000 farm fires in 2022. The government's commitment to this cause is further demonstrated by its allocation of funds and resources for sustainable agriculture practices.

Ex-situ management and air quality improvement

To enhance paddy straw management, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has encouraged the establishment of pellet-making plants, enabling the co-firing of paddy straw-based pellets in various industries. This approach aims to reduce air pollution and the adverse impact on air quality during the harvest season.

The Punjab government's multifaceted strategy underscores its dedication to addressing environmental concerns and fostering a sustainable agricultural ecosystem in the state.

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