At 1,251 farm fires, Punjab reports season’s highest single-day count
Four districts report zero incidents
2 min read
A farmer burns stubble in a rice field amid the ongoing air pollution at Mansa in the northern state of Punjab, India, November 11, 2024. (Photo: Reuters)Punjab Monday reported 1,251 farm fire cases — highest in a single day this season — taking the state’s total count of such cases to 9,655, as per Punjab Remote Sensing Centre data. On the same day in 2022 and 2023, the state reported 701 and 637 active firm fire cases, respectively, as per the data.
Muktsar district reported 247 stubble burning incidents, the most in the state on Monday, followed by Moga (149), Ferozepur (130), Bathinda (129), Fazilka (94) and Faridkot (88). Pathankot, Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, and Mohali recorded zero stubble burning incidents.
This year’s stubble burning numbers reflect a significant improvement compared to previous seasons.
From September 15 till November 18 last year, the state had recorded 33,719 fires, while 48,489 cases were reported in the same period in 2022. this year’s numbers represent a sharp 71 per cent dip — highlighting “better management” efforts.
Stubble burning cases have been reported in Punjab since September 15, with 50% of the cases recorded in the last 13 days alone. This surge is due to the approaching end of the wheat sowing season, with farmers in a hurry to clear their fields.
Stubble burning remained under control until late October, with daily incidents below 100 until October 25. However, after that date, daily cases steadily rose, fluctuating between 200 and 300, barring a few days when the count exceeded 300. On November 13, a total of 509 cases were recorded, while 404 fires were reported on November 17.
Sangrur with 1,647 farm fires and Ferozepur with 1,189 lead in burning paddy stubble. Pathankot has recorded only two fires, followed by Rupnagar (10), Hoshiarpur (22), and SBS Nagar (30). Mohali has reported 40 fires.
The state government’s emphasis on promoting in-situ and ex-situ management techniques, subsidies on stubble management equipment, and awareness campaigns have contributed to the reduction in farm fire incidents, said agriculture department officials.’
However, farmers cite high costs of stubble management machinery, limited access to equipment, and the short sowing window for wheat as challenges that still compel them to burn paddy residue.
Punjab recorded a total of 36,663 farm fire cases in 2023, registering a 26 per cent drop as compared to the previous year, the data showed.
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