New Delhi, Chandigarh: The annual cycle of stubble burning in northern India has once again begun, bringing renewed attention to one of the region’s most persistent environmental challenges. Despite seven years of sustained government interventions — from distributing crop residue management (CRM) machines and supporting biofuel projects to imposing fines — stubble burning remains a widespread practice among farmers. Economic limitations and systemic inefficiencies continue to restrict the options available to small and marginal farmers.
According to data from the Air Quality Decision Support System, stubble burning contributes to a 15–30% spike in Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution levels during a 20-day peak period every year. Since this pollution originates outside city limits, coordinated efforts in Punjab and Haryana are crucial to achieving any lasting improvement in air quality across the National Capital Region (NCR).
Experts believe that if joint state-level interventions continue for the next three years, Delhi could witness a tangible reduction in pollution during October–November. By 2028, these efforts could potentially lower PM2.5 levels by an average of 14 µg/m³ annually, with reductions as high as 40 µg/m³ on the most polluted November days. For reference, in November 2024, Delhi’s average monthly PM2.5 concentration stood at 230 µg/m³.
1. Reforming Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) for Better Machine Access
Punjab and Haryana together possess over 250,000 crop residue management machines, theoretically enough to manage all non-basmati paddy fields. However, due to poor coordination and lack of transparency, only about 40% of these machines are actively used. A recent Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study revealed that only 15% of farmers rent machinery from CHCs despite the centres receiving 80% government subsidies.
To make CHCs financially sustainable, machines like the Super Seeder, which cost ₹48,000 under subsidy, must operate across at least 100 acres annually for five years to recover costs. Governments should therefore:
- Mandate each CHC to provide services for at least 40 hectares per machine annually.
- Integrate farmers and CHCs through digital platforms (like Punjab’s Uttam Kisan App) for seamless booking.
- Offer technical maintenance training to minimize machine downtime.
- From 2026, redesign subsidy schemes to reward CHCs that meet minimum operational targets.
2. Addressing Myths and Promoting On-Farm Management
Many farmers still believe that retaining crop residue in the soil attracts pests and lowers yield. Agricultural departments in both states must actively counter such myths through ground-level training, demonstrations, and awareness campaigns.
The Union government’s revised CRM guidelines allocate ₹12.06 crore annually per state for training and demonstrations — barely 0.5% of Punjab’s ₹500 crore CRM budget. Experts recommend that states allocate at least 5% of CRM funds for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activities, including:
- On-field demonstrations of machine efficiency.
- Farmer success stories.
- Cost-benefit comparisons to highlight savings from residue management.
3. Expanding Ex-Situ Utilisation of Crop Residue
At least 30% of paddy residue should be processed ex-situ — used in industries for fuel, biogas, and biochar production. Punjab had targeted the management of 5.96 million metric tonnes of residue through ex-situ methods but achieved only 60% of that by 2023.
Of the 70 planned compressed biogas (CBG) plants, only six were operational by August 2025. Despite incentives, challenges persist due to:
- High biomass procurement costs.
- Shortage of balers and storage facilities.
- Limited supply chain partners and skilled manpower.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed states to conduct biomass price discovery studies this year to ensure viable pricing for developers while guaranteeing fair compensation to farmers. By 2026, energy development agencies must standardize biomass storage protocols to minimize fire and spoilage risks.
4. Creating Markets for Biochar and Fermented Organic Fertilizers
To ensure long-term sustainability, markets for by-products such as biochar and fermented organic fertilizers must be developed. While the Fertilizer Control Order (1985) has been amended to set standards for fermented manure, standards for biochar are yet to be notified.
Leveraging the global demand for premium carbon credits derived from biochar could open new income streams for Indian farmers. By 2027, state agricultural universities should:
- Formulate usage guidelines for biochar and fermented compost (dosage, frequency, and methods).
- Conduct on-field trials and training programs to build farmer confidence.
5. Encouraging Short-Duration Paddy Varieties
Long-duration rice varieties like Pusa 44 produce nearly two tonnes more residue per hectare compared to short-duration varieties such as PR 126, exacerbating the stubble issue. In 2023, PR 126 accounted for 38% of Punjab’s non-basmati paddy acreage.
To further reduce residue, the Centre should, by 2026, cap paddy procurement per acre at the average yield of short-duration varieties in each district. This will discourage overproduction of Pusa 44, as its excess yield will not be procured by the government. Given that land records are now digitized, such reforms are administratively feasible.
A Collaborative Roadmap Ahead
Experts agree that a three-year integrated roadmap involving policymakers, farmers, industries, and academic institutions is crucial to making meaningful progress. Success will depend not just on technology or penalties but on incentivizing behavioural change, building market linkages, and creating economic value out of what is now treated as waste.
If executed effectively, these coordinated actions could mark the beginning of the end of stubble burning — ensuring cleaner air, healthier soil, and a more sustainable agricultural future for northern India.
