Anurag Dhanda tweeted that Punjab has accomplished what many once believed was nearly impossible—a massive 92% dip in farm fires over the past five years. He credited this achievement to honest governance, farmer-centric policies, and ground-level solutions that empowered farmers. According to him, AAP’s governance model is simple: respect farmers, support them with real alternatives, and pollution levels automatically decline.
Punjab’s 23 districts record consistent decline
Data shows that all 23 districts of Punjab have reported a significant decline in stubble-burning cases between 2019 and 2024. Sangrur, Ferozepur, Bathinda, Moga, Patiala, Ludhiana, and Fazilka are among the top-performing districts, many recording an 85% to 96% reduction. Ludhiana alone witnessed around a 96.4% fall in cases, reflecting the state’s strong enforcement and adoption of cleaner agricultural practices.
Experts credit machinery and alternative farming
Agricultural experts say that the wide use of residue management machines, improved harvesting techniques, and the shift toward alternative farming practices have played a major role. Super seeders, happy seeders, mulchers, and balers have reduced the need for crop burning, while government subsidies have made these machines affordable for farmers. The increasing interest in short-duration crops and diversification has also eased pressure during the harvest season.
Ground challenges, but major progress
Officials acknowledge that while some districts still face challenges related to moisture, harvesting windows, and machine availability, the overall trend clearly shows improvement. In areas like Tarn Taran and Fazilka, where conditions historically favored high stubble burning, the decline this year has still been significant. Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) officials say that continuous monitoring, farmer awareness, and strict enforcement have helped the state achieve this remarkable turnaround.
Peak season numbers show drastic improvement
This year’s peak stubble-burning days in October and early November saw far fewer cases compared to past years. For instance, November 2 once recorded thousands of fire incidents, whereas this year several districts reported fewer than a few hundred. Experts say this is the clearest indicator of Punjab’s progress, as peak-season numbers reflect real behavioural change on the ground.
