Punjab Reports Over 93% Decline in Stubble Burning Incidents, Official Data Shows

Official agricultural data indicates a significant downward trend in stubble burning cases in Punjab over recent years, contrasting with rising numbers reported in some other states. According to the Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, incidents dropped from 49,922 in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025, with early figures for 2026 showing 474 cases, representing a decrease of over 93 percent.

Official Data and Comparative Trends

The decline in Punjab coincides with increased availability of crop residue management (CRM) machinery and targeted state subsidies. Data released by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute's CREAMS program bulletin on October 6, 2026, covering the period from September 15 to October 6 across seven states, recorded 287 total incidents. Among these, Madhya Pradesh recorded 118 cases, Punjab recorded 88, and Uttar Pradesh recorded 65. The bulletin noted that cloud cover affected satellite fire detection in some areas.

In the preceding full monitoring season of 2025, out of 33,028 recorded incidents across six states, Madhya Pradesh accounted for 17,067 cases (over 50 percent), followed by Uttar Pradesh with 7,290 and Punjab with 5,114.

Government Schemes and Machinery Distribution

To address the short window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, the Punjab government implemented financial support policies. Individual farmers receive subsidies exceeding 50 percent on agricultural machinery, while custom hiring centers, farmer producer organizations, cooperative societies, and panchayats are eligible for up to 80 percent subsidies.

According to Punjab's Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, farmers procured 21,155 crop residue management machines for the 2026 season, including 14,384 super seeders, 1,721 mulchers, 1,346 hydraulic reversible MB ploughs, 1,123 zero till drills, 927 bailing machines, and 874 straw rakes. Additionally, the state government formulated a ₹600 crore action plan for crop residue management for the 2026-27 fiscal year, following the disbursement of approximately ₹395 crore in financial assistance for CRM machinery in 2025.

Practical Implications and Verification

Readers and analysts examining environmental policy can verify these trends through official state agricultural department releases and bulletins issued by research institutions such as the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).

• Confirmed Facts: Official records show a statistical decrease in recorded stubble burning incidents in Punjab between 2022 and early 2026, alongside documented machinery distribution figures under state subsidy schemes. Comparative figures for other states are available through agricultural monitoring bulletins.
• Unknowns & Variables: The long-term economic viability of alternative uses—such as selling crop residue to biogas or bio-CNG plants—depends on local market demand, transport costs, and buyer availability. Furthermore, satellite detection can be limited by weather conditions such as cloud cover.
• Official Source: Readers can review the original report and context directly via the [Navbharat Times Report](https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/punjab-and-haryana/chandigarh/bhagwant-mann-govt-stellar-work-curbing-stubble-burning-in-punjab-incident-decline-over-93-percent-compared-last-year/articleshow/135138171.cms).