Punjab recorded 5,114 farm fires in the 2025 paddy season, down from 10,909 in 2024. The decline was about 53–54%. Officials credited support for crop residue machinery; floods also reduced the area and burning in some districts. Tarn Taran became the highest-reporting district, overtaking Sangrur. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) monitors farm fires across Punjab, Haryana and the National Capital Region (NCR). The figures leave room for further reductions.
Timeline: from crop expansion to fewer fires
- 1960sbackgroundCrop expansion
The Green Revolution expanded wheat and rice cultivation in Punjab.
- 2009groundwaterWater law
The Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act restricted early paddy transplantation to conserve groundwater.
- 2024paddy seasonBaseline
Punjab recorded 10,909 farm fires.
- 2025floodsFlood impact
Floods reduced the cultivated area and burning in some districts.
- Nov2025Fires fall
The season recorded 5,114 fires; Tarn Taran overtook Sangrur as the top district.
Why is paddy residue burned?
After paddy harvesting, straw remains in the field. Farmers have a short window to prepare for the wheat crop, and burning quickly clears residue.
In-situ management handles residue in the field through machines such as the Happy Seeder and Super Seeder or through mulching. Ex-situ management moves residue elsewhere for uses such as biomass power, compressed biogas and boilers.
The two sides
Farmers and practical constraints
- Machinery access, operating costs and a short sowing window affect residue decisions.
- Flood-affected fields can add to farm management difficulties.
- Farmers need workable options for both field management and sale of residue.
Public health and enforcement
- Smoke from burning affects air quality and public health.
- Penalties and red entries in land records are used to discourage burning.
- A sustained decline requires alternatives alongside compliance.
Key data
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Punjab farm fires | 10,909 in 2024 and 5,114 in 2025; a decline of about 53–54%. |
| Longer comparison | CAQM data show a 93% decline in 2025 compared with 2021. |
| Sangrur | 693 cases in 2025, about 60% lower. |
| Other districts | Ferozepur fell about 59% and Muktsar about 55%; Tarn Taran ranked highest in 2025. |
| Machinery support | Officials credited about ₹395 crore disbursed for Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery. |
| Water law | The Punjab Preservation of Subsoil Water Act, 2009, restricts early paddy transplantation. |
Way forward
- Accessible machinery: Improve timely access to shared equipment, especially for smaller farmers.
- Local residue markets: Connect farmers with biomass power, compressed biogas and boiler users.
- Fair enforcement: Apply rules consistently while helping farmers access practical alternatives.
- Diversification: Support viable alternatives to paddy while considering farm incomes and water use.
- District review: Track fires alongside machinery access and flood effects to assess progress.
Likely interview questions
What is crop residue management?
Answer pointers:
- It means managing material left after harvesting.
- In-situ methods treat it in the field; ex-situ methods move it for use elsewhere.
- Match the method to local farm needs and available machinery.
Do you think the 2025 decline proves that the stubble-burning problem is solved?
Answer pointers:
- The fall from 10,909 to 5,114 fires is substantial.
- Flood effects also contributed in some districts, and fires continued.
- Test whether the decline can be sustained through accessible alternatives.
Do you think penalties alone can stop farm fires?
Answer pointers:
- Enforcement protects public health and encourages compliance.
- Costs, machinery access and the sowing window constrain farmers.
- Combine fair enforcement with timely, affordable alternatives.
As Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Sangrur, how would you reduce farm fires?
Answer pointers:
- Identify affected villages and gaps in machinery access.
- Coordinate farmers, equipment providers and residue users; apply rules fairly.
- Review results locally and address operational bottlenecks.
How is stubble burning linked to Punjab’s groundwater challenge?
Answer pointers:
- Paddy cultivation is linked to groundwater demand.
- Water conservation rules and the paddy-to-wheat transition both shape farm decisions.
- Promote viable diversification while protecting farm incomes.
Recognise the decline without treating it as proof of a permanent solution. Balance public health with farmers’ costs and avoid blaming an entire community.
Prelims Practice Corner
Q1. How many farm fires did Punjab record in the 2025 paddy season?
(a) 693 (b) 5,114 (c) 10,909 (d) 1,724
Show answer
Answer: (b) because Punjab recorded 5,114 farm fires in the 2025 paddy season.
Q2. Which is an in-situ residue management option?
(a) Happy Seeder (b) Biomass power plant (c) Biogas plant (d) Industrial boiler
Show answer
Answer: (a) because the Happy Seeder helps manage residue in the field.
Q3. Which district overtook Sangrur as Punjab’s highest-reporting district in 2025?
(a) Muktsar (b) Ferozepur (c) Tarn Taran (d) Patiala
Show answer
Answer: (c) because Tarn Taran recorded the highest district count in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did stubble burning fall in Punjab in 2025?
Officials credited support for residue-management machinery, while floods also reduced the area and burning in some districts. The state recorded about 53–54% fewer fires than in 2024.
Which Punjab district had the most farm fires in 2025?
Tarn Taran had the highest reported district count. It overtook Sangrur, which recorded 693 cases.
What are alternatives to burning paddy stubble?
Alternatives include field management with seeders or mulching and off-field use for energy. Crop diversification can also reduce dependence on paddy.
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