Jalandhar sees dip in stubble burning cases

Jalandhar has recorded a significant drop in stubble-burning incidents this year. Against 157 cases reported last year, 83 were recorded this season, an indication that a majority of farmers chose not to burn paddy residue. Some farmers admit that they refrained from burning due to strict administrative action, while many others adopted alternative residue-management practices.

To curb the practice, the Agriculture Department intensified its efforts through ground-level engagement and direct interaction with farmers. This year, more awareness activities were organised than ever before, including nukkad nataks and multiple village-level camps aimed at sensitising the farming community. Also, 118 camps were organised to make farmers aware.

A major district-level awareness camp was recently held in Nurmahal, drawing the participation of nearly 1,500 farmers. Ten gram panchayats that have maintained a no-burning record for the past five years were also honoured on the occasion.

Chief Agriculture Officer Jaswinder Singh credited the decline to consistent fieldwork by departmental teams. “Our staff worked day and night and remained constantly active in the fields, interacting with farmers and guiding them throughout,” he said.

Some farmers, too, shared their experiences. A Nakodar farmer, who previously burned stubble, said he had purchased his own residue-management machine this year. “I bought it under compulsion. Strict action was being taken, and I didn’t want to face any trouble,” he admitted.

In a unique approach, schools were also involved in the campaign. Students participated in awareness rallies and encouraged their families and neighbours to adopt environment friendly methods of managing crop residue.

The department has additionally been promoting success stories of progressive farmers who have avoided stubble burning for several years.