Over the past five years, Punjab has achieved what was once thought impossible — a remarkable 92% decline in paddy stubble burning incidents. According to data from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), the state recorded over 62,700 farm fires in 2021, but this number has plunged to just 4,700 in 2025, marking one of the most significant environmental turnarounds in recent Indian history. This achievement is particularly striking in high-incidence districts such as Sangrur, Firozpur, and Patiala, where the reduction has ranged from 83% to 95%. Even the traditionally dangerous peak-fire days and Diwali-night burning have shown massive drops, with only 45 incidents reported on Diwali this year compared to thousands before.
A large part of this success comes from the widespread availability and adoption of crop-residue-management machinery. With over 1.5 lakh machines now in use, farmers have been able to manage stubble through mulching, mixing, and in-situ management techniques rather than setting it ablaze. The government also promoted ex-situ solutions, transporting around 6.2 million tonnes of paddy straw for fodder, biomass plants, and other industrial uses. This has made stubble a resource instead of a waste problem, giving farmers a practical alternative to burning.
The state government has also backed its efforts with strong enforcement and legal frameworks. Strict fines, FIRs, real-time satellite monitoring, and even “red entries” in land records for repeated offenders have forced a behavioural shift at the ground level. At the same time, awareness campaigns by agriculture departments, NGOs, and district-level officers educated farmers about the environmental damage and soil degradation caused by burning. This combination of pressure and persuasion played a major role in transforming attitudes across rural Punjab.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. Some farmers still struggle with the financial and logistical burdens of stubble management, especially smallholders who rely on fast turnaround times between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing. Experts also note concerns about under-reporting or satellite limitations, which means monitoring must stay vigilant. Importantly, a reduction in fires does not automatically mean a pollution-free season — wind patterns, local emissions, and meteorological conditions all affect air quality. Nevertheless, the sharp decline in farm fires undeniably reduces the seasonal pollution load.
Punjab’s success story matters far beyond its borders. It shows that when technology, policy, enforcement, and farmer outreach come together, large-scale environmental problems can be solved. With continued support, sustained political will, and improvements in crop diversification and rural machinery networks, Punjab can move steadily toward the ultimate goal of zero stubble burning. The state’s progress now stands as a model for the rest of India, proving that climate-sensitive agriculture is both possible and practical.