Stubble Burning Incidents Decline in UP, Punjab, and Haryana

In recent years, the north-western Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have witnessed a noticeable reduction in the number of stubble-burning incidents. The practice, once a major contributor to winter air pollution across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, has shown a downward trend due to stricter enforcement, technological interventions, and increased awareness among farmers.

Background

Stubble burning refers to the deliberate setting of fire to crop residue after harvesting, particularly paddy straw, to quickly clear fields for the next crop—commonly wheat. The practice became widespread after mechanised harvesting left large quantities of uncut straw on the fields. Because the window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing is short, many farmers traditionally chose burning as the fastest and cheapest method of disposal.
The smoke from these fires contributes significantly to poor air quality in North India, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR), by increasing particulate matter (PM 2.5) and other pollutants. Besides air pollution, stubble burning damages soil fertility, kills beneficial microorganisms, and leads to nutrient loss.

Recent Trends

Punjab

Punjab, historically the largest contributor to farm fires, has shown a significant reduction in incidents. Data from recent years indicate that the state’s total fire counts have fallen by nearly 70 % compared with previous seasons. This improvement follows sustained government campaigns promoting alternative residue-management methods. However, despite the decline in the number of incidents, the total burnt area has remained nearly constant, suggesting that while fewer farmers are burning stubble, those who continue to do so often handle larger plots of land.

Haryana

Haryana has demonstrated the sharpest decrease in stubble-burning cases. Reports suggest that the number of fire events has dropped by over 90 % compared with previous years, making it one of the most successful states in curbing the practice. Early data for the current harvesting season show a very small number of fires, marking a five-year low. This success is attributed to robust monitoring systems, prompt administrative action, and widespread distribution of crop-residue-management equipment.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, although showing a steady decline, continues to record the highest number of farm-fire incidents among the northern states. The reduction in cases is comparatively modest, with figures showing a drop of around 10–15 % over the past year. The persistence of burning in the state is largely due to the prevalence of small and marginal farmers who lack access to mechanised equipment or financial support for alternative residue management.

Factors Behind the Decline

The recent downward trend in stubble burning can be attributed to a combination of government policy measures, technological support, and increased farmer engagement.

• Mechanisation and crop-residue-management equipment: Distribution of Happy Seeders, Super-SMS attachments, balers, and mulchers has enabled farmers to manage paddy straw without resorting to fire.
• Government incentives: Central and state authorities have subsidised machinery and launched compensation schemes for farmers adopting eco-friendly residue-management techniques.
• Strict monitoring and penalties: Satellite-based surveillance, drone monitoring, and immediate administrative intervention have helped detect and deter burning incidents. Offending farmers face fines, legal action, or red-marking of land records.
• Awareness campaigns: Educational programmes and outreach initiatives have emphasised the environmental and health impacts of stubble burning, leading to greater community participation in preventive measures.
• Changes in cropping practices: Some districts have adjusted paddy-sowing dates, diversified into less residue-heavy crops, or adopted short-duration paddy varieties to extend the window for field preparation.

Environmental and Social Implications

The decline in stubble burning carries wide-ranging environmental benefits. Reduced fire incidents mean fewer emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. It also results in improved regional air quality, especially beneficial during the winter months when atmospheric dispersion is poor.
In terms of soil health, avoiding burning helps retain organic matter, enhances moisture retention, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers. Furthermore, by promoting sustainable residue-management practices, farmers can turn crop waste into a resource—using straw for biofuel production, composting, or paper and packaging materials.
Socially, improved air quality leads to fewer respiratory illnesses, especially in vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. The reduction in smog episodes over Delhi-NCR and adjoining regions provides a tangible quality-of-life improvement during the harvest season.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite progress, challenges remain. The total area affected by burning, though smaller in number of incidents, continues to be substantial in Punjab. Moreover, late-season burning can still trigger air-quality deterioration during the festival period around Diwali. Marginal farmers often lack the financial capacity to buy or hire machinery even with subsidies, making policy support essential.
Additionally, some experts note that fewer incidents recorded by satellites might not always correspond to proportionate reductions in emissions, as larger fires or under-detection of smaller ones could distort the data. Hence, continuous ground verification and updated satellite monitoring remain vital.

Significance

The reduction in stubble-burning incidents is a positive indicator for India’s efforts to combat air pollution and promote sustainable agriculture. It highlights the effectiveness of integrated policy interventions—combining technology, enforcement, and awareness.
By adopting cleaner residue-management practices, these states are setting a precedent for balancing agricultural productivity with environmental responsibility. The experience of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh demonstrates that targeted governmental action, community participation, and farmer education can collectively achieve measurable environmental improvements.