95% decline in stubble burning cases in Haryana

In a major environmental breakthrough, Haryana has recorded a 95 per cent decline in stubble burning incidents this kharif season compared to last year, marking one of the sharpest reductions in recent years.

According to official data, only 30 farm fire cases have been reported in the state till October 17, compared to 601 incidents during the same period last year. The corresponding figures were 546 in 2023, 330 in 2022, and 1,026 in 2021, reflecting a consistent decline in the practice.

With more than half of the paddy harvest completed, the figures underscore the growing success of Haryana’s crop residue management initiatives.

As per district-wise data, Jind has reported the highest number of cases (9), followed by Sirsa and Sonepat with 4 each, Faridabad (3), Kaithal, Panipat, and Yamunanagar (2 each)  and Kurukshetra, Fatehabad, Jhajjar, and Palwal (1 each).

The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department noted that Haryana had already achieved a 39 per cent decline in active fire locations (AFLs) during the last paddy season (2024) compared to 2023.

Officials attributed this sharp decline to a combination of stringent enforcement, heightened farmer awareness, and financial incentives for adopting eco-friendly residue management.

“The government’s focus on promoting in situ and ex situ crop residue management and providing financial incentives of Rs 1,200 per acre for not burning stubble are playing a key role in reducing farm fire incidents,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director, Agriculture.

He said village, sub-division and district-level committees along with nodal officers are keeping constant vigil to ensure compliance.

Notably, no stubble-burning incident has been reported from Karnal district, one of the largest paddy-producing regions in the state. However, authorities there have maintained a zero-tolerance stance — five FIRs have been registered, and red entries have been made in the revenue records of the offenders. A fine of Rs 30,000 has also been imposed.

“Stringent measures such as FIRs, fines and red entries in agricultural records, coupled with awareness drives, are showing positive results. Farmers are increasingly adopting stubble management practices,” Dr Wazir Singh said.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh lauded the efforts of farmers who are turning crop residue into usable byproducts, setting examples for others.

“We have formed teams led by nodal officers to monitor stubble burning. The coming fortnight is crucial, so officials must maintain strong vigilance in their areas,” the DC said.

He urged farmers to avoid burning residue and instead convert waste to wealth through composting, mulching and using crop residue for energy generation.