Punjab Government Allocates Significant Budget for Stubble Management to Combat Farm Fires
The Punjab government has approved an action plan for the 2026-27 agricultural year, allocating over 43% of its budget to crop stubble management. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the issue of farm fires, which have been a persistent problem in the region. The plan, which totals Rs 1,388 crore, dedicates Rs 600 crore specifically to crop residue management. This allocation aims to provide farmers with in-situ and ex-situ machinery at subsidized rates, offering a sustainable solution to stubble burning. The state has already submitted this plan to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. In the previous year, Punjab successfully reduced stubble burning incidents by 53%, with 5,114 cases reported in 2025 compared to 10,909 in 2024. The action plan also emphasizes water conservation, crop diversification, and natural farming, with specific funds earmarked for each initiative.