Doaba records 55% fall in stubble burning cases

There has been a 55 per cent reduction in farm fires in Doaba compared to last year. The most dramatic reduction is in the Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts, in both of which, farm fires have registered a massive decrease this year. Across Doaba, 580 stubble fires were reported last year while this year only 258 have been reported - marking a 55 per cent reduction.

In Jalandhar, after the end of the paddy harvest season, 45 per cent reduction in farm fires has been registered this year compared to last year (2024). With the farmers of Punjab, even being lauded by the Union agricultural minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the reduction in stubble fires this year, the reigning on of farm fires is being considered a big triumph by the agricultural department as well.

District Jalandhar saw a 45 per cent decrease in farm fires compared to 2024 and a whopping 92 per cent reduction in farm fires compared to the year 2023. Agricultural department officials said the compliance of farmers, proactive awareness by departments and a general awareness among peasantry about the harmful effects of stubble burning has led to reduced stubble fires this year.

Also while fires persisted until November 30th last year, this year the last farm fire in Jalandhar was recorded on November 26.

In 2023 Jalandhar registered a total of 1196 farm fires between September 15 to November 30. In 2024 total farm fires during the same period were 157. This year only 86 farm fires have been recorded in the paddy harvest season so far.

Meanwhile, Kapurthala district has witnessed a 61 per cent reduction in farm fires this year compared to 2024. Kapurthala reported 139 farm fires this year, while 357 were reported last year. In 2023, Kapurthala district had reported 1048 farm fires.

At Hoshiarpur, 118 farm fires were reported in 2023, 29 in 2024 and only 18 this year. Meanwhile, at Nawanshar, 238 farm fires were reported in 2023, 37 in 2024 and 15 this year.

District Agricultural Officer Jalandhar, Jaswinder Singh said, “The constructive role played by farmers unions this year cannot be denied. Until last year, we faced opposition from farm unions After FIRs were registered against farmers setting stubble on fire. But this year, the fires were visibly reduced and union remained largely cooperative. Also many awareness drives and checks were carried out by the department to sensitise farmers. Many are aware that FIRs and red entries further pose as obstructions for them in many processes including going abroad. The department is committed to the well-being of farmers. And we are hopeful the restricting of farm fires will bring about positive changes in farm economy and sustenance.”