Blaming farmers for Delhi pollution not justified: Punjab Agricultural University VC

During the Kisan Mela at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Rauni in Patiala, Dr SS Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, highlighted a significant reduction in stubble burning across Punjab. According to him, the state has seen a 50% decline in farm fires compared to previous years. He stressed that blaming farmers for Delhi’s pollution is not justified, as the pollution from farm fires harms Punjab’s farmers more than it does Delhi residents.

In an interview with The Tribune, Dr Gosal explained that multiple factors, such as Delhi’s population density, high-rise buildings, low wind speeds, and vehicular pollution, contribute to the capital’s poor air quality. He argued that while stubble burning contributes to pollution, it disproportionately affects Punjab rather than Delhi.

Dr Gosal emphasised that farmers and their families suffer the most due to the pollution caused by farm fires, making it critical to check the practice. Efforts are underway to incorporate stubble into the soil, which improves soil quality by retaining 33% of the paddy’s nutrients. Additionally, the newly developed surface seeder has proven to be cost-effective for small farmers and reduces the need for heavy machinery.

Dr Gosal mentioned that Punjab Chief Secretary recently met Central Government officials to discuss strategies for further reducing stubble burning. He acknowledged the progress made, stating that while achieving zero stubble burning will take time, the state is committed to continuing its efforts.

At the mela, Deputy Commissioner Preeti Yadav took a unique initiative by directly interacting with farmers to assess the situation and address their concerns. A group of farmers expressed frustration, explaining they lacked resources to purchase machinery or cover the costs of labour and fuel. Yadav provided her personal mobile number to the farmers and assured them that their issues would be addressed, urging them not to resort to burning paddy residue.

The event underscored the growing awareness among farmers about sustainable stubble management and the state’s efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of agricultural practices.

Amritsar reports 85% of farm fire incidents

• Punjab has recorded a total of 69 farm fire incidents this year so far, with Amritsar district contributing nearly 85% of these. The early start of paddy harvesting is believed to be the reason behind the high numbers in the area. Last season, the district saw 1,444 farm fire incidents, amounting to 3.94% of the state’s total
• District officials reported that only 25 of the recent incidents involved crop residue burning, for which fines totaling ~52,500 were imposed. Of this, ~32,500 has already been collected from farmers on the spot, a change from last year’s collection delays
• In 2023, the administration had fined farmers ~24.50 for similar offences. This year, to prevent further violations, the Revenue Department has been instructed to mark red entries in the records of farmers caught burning crop residue, signaling a more stringent approach to curb the practice