Punjab has achieved something that many believed was impossible just a few years ago. The state has reduced stubble burning fires from 71,300 in 2021 to only 10,900 in 2024. This is a record drop of almost 85 percent. The surprising part is that this happened without fighting with farmers or punishing them. The government worked with farmers instead of working against them. The farmers understood the issue and agreed to new solutions. This teamwork has now become a model for other states.
Why Stubble Burning Happened Earlier?
Farmers earlier used to burn stubble to clear fields quickly for the next crop. They did not have time or machinery to remove it in any other way. Burning was the fastest and cheapest option. But burning caused heavy pollution in Punjab and Delhi regions. People suffered from breathing problems and hospitals saw more patients. The government realized that blaming farmers was not the answer. Farmers needed support, equipment, and new income options to stop burning.
Biomass Turns Into New Income
Now the same stubble that was once burned is being used to make biomass fuel. This fuel is then mixed with coal and used in thermal power plants. The Rajpura Thermal Plant has already started using biomass with coal. The Chairperson of CAQM visited the plant and appreciated Punjab’s effort. He said farmers have now become “protectors of air” along with being food growers. What was once seen as waste has now become a product that can be sold. This has created a new income source for farmers.
Government Support Made It Possible
The Punjab government invested in storage sheds, machines, and collection centers for stubble. Farmers were trained on how to cut and store stubble instead of burning it. The state also provided financial support for buying balers and cutters. These machines helped farmers collect stubble easily. The government also connected farmers with industries that buy biomass. This teamwork made the system strong and dependable. Slowly, the number of stubble fire cases kept dropping every year.
Center Government Praising Punjab
The historic drop in stubble burning caught the attention of the central government. CAQM officials publicly praised Punjab’s work instead of criticizing it. This appreciation means the change is real and recognized. Earlier, Punjab was blamed for pollution, but now Punjab is being seen as a leader in solutions. This positive recognition has boosted confidence among farmers. It has also shown that peaceful cooperation works better than pressure and fines. Other states are now studying Punjab’s model to copy it.
Farmers Become Air Protectors
Farmers say that they feel proud today because they are protecting the environment. They say earlier they felt forced to burn stubble because no help was available. Now they are part of a mission that helps everyone breathe cleaner air. They earn more, their soil remains healthy, and pollution reduces. The relationship between government and farmers has improved. Farmers have become heroes in the fight against pollution. This shows real progress comes from trust and understanding.
A New Identity for Punjab
This change is not only about agriculture, but also about mindset. Punjab is now known for leading a clean air revolution. Stubble burning was once seen as a permanent problem, but now it has a working solution. The success story shows that big changes happen when people work together. As winter approaches, the air in Punjab looks clearer than earlier years. This improvement is a gift to all of North India. Punjab’s farmers are now respected as protectors of health and environment.
