Chandigarh: The Punjab government proudly announced today that it has achieved a historic 94% reduction in stubble burning incidents in the fields. This success sets an example for India and proves the effectiveness of the farmer-first, science-based strategy led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. While 80,879 cases of stubble burning were recorded in 2016, the number dropped to just 5,114 in 2025—a 53% decline from 2024. This achievement marks a decade-long fight that has transformed Punjab’s image from a major contributor to air pollution, soil degradation, and health issues.
The importance of this achievement is further highlighted by the Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s endorsement of making the Punjab model a nationwide practice. The success came through a sustained, science-driven, and farmer-centric approach focusing on cooperation and solutions instead of punishments.
Key to this success was cooperation, support, and practical solutions. The government worked alongside the farmers, providing real help instead of penalties.
Widespread deployment of modern machinery and record subsidies were crucial. The biggest step was the Crop Residue Management (CRM) program launched in 2018-19, which supplied farmers with advanced machines like Happy Seeders, Super Seeders, Mulchers, MB Plows, and Balers. Initially, machine adoption was slow, but increased distribution and subsidies up to 80% for small farmers, up from 50%, encouraged widespread use. Starting with 25,000 machines in 2018-19, over 148,000 CRM machines, including 66,000 Super Seeders, have been distributed by 2025. These machines help mix the straw into the soil, allowing timely wheat sowing.
Ex-situ solutions turned crop residue from waste into business. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian explained the effort goes beyond just providing machinery—it aims to build an ecosystem where farmers understand the benefits of non-burning methods and their impact on long-term productivity and industry success. The government expanded networks of biomass power plants, paper mills, and bio-CNG plants that directly buy stubble from farmers. Last year alone, industries reused more than 2.76 million tons of stubble, increasing to 7.5 million tons this year. This circular economy approach provides farmers with an additional income source.
On the ground, awareness and participation were boosted through village-level crop residue management committees. Door-to-door outreach by the agriculture department and local authorities educated farmers on the harmful effects of stubble burning on soil health and productivity. A clear positive shift in mindset was seen. Collaboration with district officials, pollution control board, and enforcement agencies ensured sustained awareness and rule enforcement without excessive punishment. Timely crop procurement and stable cash flow prevented farmers from desperate burning.
Strict monitoring was maintained using satellite tracking since 2006, aided by NASA imagery. Enforcement focused on support over punishment, although 1,963 FIRs were filed against repeat offenders. Farmer unions that once supported burning have largely gone silent. Khuddian noted farmers now understand the long-term damage of stubble burning on soil fertility.
This achievement shows that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, Punjab can pursue both farmer welfare and environmental protection together. The Agriculture Department emphasized the next focus should be improving soil health and ensuring CRM machinery reaches even the most remote areas. This has become India’s most successful anti-pollution campaign, guiding the whole country forward.
