Stubble burning sees 15% decline in Punjab, but over 10,000 farm fires still recorded

With a 15 per cent decline from last year, a total of 10,193 farm fire incidents were reported during this wheat harvesting season, from April 1 to May 30, according to central monitoring agencies.

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The data reflects a downward trend in recent years: 14,511 cases in 2022, 11,355 in 2023, and 11,904 in 2024.

Among the worst-affected districts, Amritsar led with 1,102 incidents, followed by Moga (863) and Gurdaspur (856). Other high-reporting districts included Ferozepur (742), Tarn Taran (700), Sangrur (654), and Bathinda (651).

The peak in farm fires activity came on May 11, when 1,410 incidents were recorded in a single day.

Experts continue to raise alarms over the long-term ecological and agricultural consequences of stubble burning.

Dr Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, noted that the beneficial microorganisms remain half a foot of soil. These free-living microorganisms help with nitrogen absorption and suppression of pathogenic organisms. Due to residue burning all these beneficial microorganisms are destroyed which result in organic matter loss.

The increasing incidents of stubble burning have not only contributed to pollution but have also raised serious ecological concerns.

Agronomists have observed that the heat and smoke generated from stubble burning damages beehives and forces bee colonies to relocate. Bees play a vital role in the pollination of fruits, flowers, and other plants.

Scientists warn that the displacement of bees could disrupt the pollination cycle, ultimately affecting crop yields.

Further concerns were voiced by Prof Himender Bharti of Punjabi University's Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, who highlighted the threat to bee populations, essential pollinators in the agricultural ecosystem.

“Bees exhibit swarming behaviour. If the environment becomes unfavorable, these pollinators leave in groups,” he explained.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh had also made an emotional appeal during a visit to Kath Mathi village, urging farmers to abandon the harmful practice. He described it as akin to “setting fire to the heart of Mother Earth.”

“Seeing smoke rise from our fields fills my heart with pain,” he said. “It is not just the stubble that is burning — it’s the life-giving soil, our environment, and the future of our children.”