Punjab's Stubble Burning Conundrum
After devastating floods ruined the harvest, Punjab is grappling with the stubble burning issue.
As the government pushes to end stubble burning, many point to gaps in support, costly machines, and farmers paying the price for policy.
“Jailing farmers doesn’t help anyone”
Traditionally, farmers have resorted to stubble burning as a quick and cost-effective method to clear crop residue and prepare fields for the next sowing season.
However, with rising concerns over stubble burning’s contribution to Delhi’s pollution, farmers have to turn to the state’s crop residue management (CRM) policy, which uses alternative methods to manage stubble that don't cause pollution.
- Rows of tractors carrying rice straw bales are lined up outside the dharam kanda (weighing centre) in Patiala’s Chappar village.
- Manpreet Singh from Cheema Boilers Ltd is working to address the issue.
Author's summary: Punjab faces challenges in managing stubble burning.