Awareness campaigns pay off as farmers turn to green alternatives

The district administration has provided assistance to 240 farmers who sought help from the Kisan Sahayata Kendra (Farmer Support Centre) set up to prevent stubble burning. Officials said the centre is guiding farmers towards safe and eco-friendly methods for managing crop residue.

Thanks to the administration’s efforts, the number of stubble-burning incidents has declined this year. In 2024, a total of 651 cases were recorded, while in 2025 only 312 cases have been reported so far. Officials said the drop indicates that awareness campaigns and support services are proving effective.

District Agriculture Officer Amanjot Singh said every farmer who chooses not to burn stubble is awarded a ‘Kisan Dosti’ certificate, which motivates others to join the initiative. He added that nearly 76,000 farmers have already taken a pledge to avoid stubble burning.

Between October 1 and October 31, a total of 240 farmers reached out to the support centre for guidance on proper crop-residue management. The administration has encouraged the use of machinery and modern techniques to handle stubble without harming the environment.

Officials said continuous awareness drives, field visits and the distribution of information material have played a key role in reducing cases. They added that efforts will continue, with the aim of bringing the numbers down further in the coming weeks. The administration also appealed to farmers to cooperate and help keep the air clean for all.