Gurbachan Singh Chhaba, leader of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, stated on Friday that the government needs to find a lasting solution to the stubble-burning issue, emphasizing that farmers don’t want to burn stubble but feel they have no choice. “Preparing fields for the next crop is costly,” he explained. “The government introduces new machines each year, rendering last year’s models obsolete. Farmers are forced to buy new equipment annually, and there’s no real solution in sight. A permanent fix for the stubble-burning problem is essential,” Chhaba told ANI.
Earlier today, stubble burning was observed in Chabba village, Amritsar. On Wednesday, Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), reported that from September 15 to 25, 93 stubble-burning incidents were recorded in the state. He noted significant progress over the last two years, with a sharp decrease in such incidents. “Since September 15, we’ve seen 93 cases of burning in Punjab. Areas like Amritsar, Guradpur, and Tarn Taran have been affected by early harvesting. Last year, we had around 36,000 incidents, down from over 70,000 the previous year. This marks a 46% to 50% reduction, and our goal is to eliminate these incidents entirely,” Vig stated.
He further explained that efforts are being made collectively by farmers, industry, and various government departments. “Of the 6 million tonnes of stubble, 4 million tonnes are being utilized in industrial boilers. The Punjab government has allocated Rs 25 crore in incentives for those who install paddy-based boilers. Currently, there are four compressed biogas units operational, with plans for 7-8 more. Additionally, government and panchayat lands are available for stubble storage. Today, farm stubble pellets are being used as fuel in thermal power plants and brick kilns, with 18 pelletization plants established and 19 more planned,” he added.
Punjab Minister Balbir Singh remarked that the state government has sufficient resources to combat stubble burning and encouraged farmers to reach out if they encounter any issues. “Stubble burning poses immediate health risks to those involved and their communities, leading to problems like coughing, chronic bronchitis, and eye irritation. It also endangers pregnant women and children and disrupts local ecology, harming wildlife. This is a shared responsibility. We have ample equipment and are collaborating with numerous NGOs. I urge farmers to come forward if they need assistance,” Singh said.
