Punjab’s stubble stalemate continues
The Tribune Editorial: Instead of finger-pointing, genuine coordination between Punjab, Haryana and Delhi is essential.
EACH season in Punjab, the story repeats itself — fields ready for the next crop, stubble lying unlifted and tempers flaring. Farmers in Faridkot and beyond have warned they will be “forced” to burn paddy residue if immediate steps are not taken to clear it. Their anger is not unfounded. Delayed baling, uncollected straw and half-implemented schemes continue to choke the system, despite repeated promises and allocations for stubble management. The Punjab Government had assured mechanised baling, subsidised straw management and timely intervention. Yet farmers report broken balers, erratic diesel supplies and delayed payments under multiple schemes. With the narrow window before wheat sowing, they are trapped between time constraints and administrative apathy. For smallholders, burning becomes not a choice but the only escape from mounting costs and official neglect.
