Just as North India braces itself for post-paddy harvest smog, the Punjab government has launched its Action Plan-2025, announcing an initiative to completely eliminate the age-old practice of stubble burning. Led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this initiative will not only curb pollution but also open new economic opportunities for farmers. The recent agreement (MoU) with Deloitte is paving the way to turn stubble into ‘green gold’ rather than smoke. Last year’s pilot project in 17 villages of Patiala demonstrated the strength of this model by reducing fire incidents by over 80 percent, and now this revolution is ready to spread across Punjab.
This MoU is much more than technical assistance – it’s a mission to empower farmers. The government’s Rs 500 crore Action Plan-2025 promises to increase farmers’ income by converting stubble into sectors like bio-energy, organic fertilizer, and electricity generation. With Rs 150 crore assistance from the central government, over 15,000 machines, such as super seeders and balers, are being made available at affordable rates. Imagine, your stubble that once went up in smoke will now bring money to your bank account and preserve soil fertility!
Last year’s success, where stubble burning incidents dropped by 80 percent (from 36,551 to 10,479), further strengthens this year’s plan. The government has set a target of 4,367 subsidized new machines and strengthening 1,500 Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). Notably, 7.06 million tons of stubble will be converted into power plants, biogas units, and fuel through ex-situ management. With Deloitte’s help, biomass power projects and biogas plants will be established where farmers can sell their stubble and get good prices. According to one estimate, proper utilization of 19 million tons of stubble can give lakhs of farmers additional earnings of lakhs of rupees annually.
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said, “Several Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities will be conducted through village-level meetings and door-to-door awareness campaigns. Inspirational videos and digital awareness vans with the ‘Unnat Singh’ mascot will visit different villages to motivate farmers. Additionally, items with innovative slogans like T-shirts, calendars, cups, and tote bags will also be distributed.” He also mentioned that “under this program, the ‘Krishi Yantra Saathi’ (KYS) mobile application is being launched for easy booking and scheduling of agricultural equipment.” The government will spread this awareness through camps in 3,333 villages and 296 block-level programs.
Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, appreciating Deloitte’s initiative, said, “The smoke from stubble burning severely affects air quality, increasing respiratory and other health problems among our citizens. The success achieved in Patiala presents a practical model for protecting the environment and the health of our people.” He further said, “Our partnership with Deloitte is a significant step toward creating a green, prosperous, and healthy Punjab. By implementing these effective strategies across the state, we are determined to replicate the success achieved in Patiala and provide sustainable solutions for crop residue management, benefiting farmers and protecting public health.” According to the Punjab Pollution Control Board, only 82 fire incidents were recorded from September 15 to 27, 2025, which is 16 percent less than last year.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Punjab’s farmer is our pride. We consider stubble not a problem but an opportunity. This Action Plan-2025 will not only clean Punjab’s air but also economically empower every farmer.” This scheme will manage 20.5 million tons of stubble through in-situ and ex-situ methods, including promoting Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) in 5 lakh acres.
