Artistes, students join hands with Agri Dept to curb stubble burning

In a concerted effort to tackle the menace of stubble burning, the Agriculture Department has launched a district-wide awareness campaign involving artistes, students and farmers. The initiative seeks to educate farmers about the harmful effects of burning paddy residue and to promote sustainable alternatives.

As part of the campaign, nukkad nataks (street plays) and awareness programmes are being organised across various blocks. A team of artistes from Amritsar has been specially invited to perform these plays, drawing large crowds of farmers and villagers to spread the message against stubble burning.

To further strengthen outreach, the department will host a district-level Kisan Mela and Awareness Camp at Nurmehal, where nearly 1,500 farmers from across the district are expected to participate. During the event, farmers will be informed about the latest government schemes and sustainable agricultural practices.

In a unique initiative, students have also been roped in to support the drive. Schools are conducting awareness rallies, encouraging children to persuade their families and neighbours to adopt eco-friendly residue management methods instead of burning crop remains.

Previously, the department shared success stories of progressive farmers who have refrained from stubble burning for several years. These videos, along with their contact details, were uploaded on the department’s YouTube channel ‘Safal Kisan’ and circulated on social media to inspire others.

Highlighting upcoming initiatives, Chief Agriculture Officer Dr Jaswinder Singh said, “As per the policy for the Rabi 2025–26 season, farmers will receive a subsidy of Rs 2,000 per quintal on wheat seeds for up to one hectare of land. Flood-affected farmers will be eligible to receive free wheat seeds for up to two hectares.”

He added that PUNSEED has been designated as the nodal agency for seed supply and subsidies will apply only to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)-recommended wheat varieties, including PBW 826, PBW 869, PBW 824, PBW 803, PBW 766, DBW 222, DBW 187, HD 3226, PBW 771, PBW 757 and PBW 752, among others.

The Agriculture Department hopes that through community participation, awareness drives and farmer incentives, Punjab can take a decisive step towards eliminating stubble burning and ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment.