Punjab Government on Curbing Stubble Burning, Awareness Campaign to Launch Soon

September 24, 2026

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann called for a comprehensive information and awareness campaign to further curb stubble burning in the state, as the Punjab government’s sustained efforts have already led to an 86 percent reduction in such incidents between 2023 and 2025.

Directing officials to take this campaign more effectively to villages and blocks, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann emphasized that active participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), social workers, panchayats, and farmers, extensive social media outreach, and robust in-situ and ex-situ (on-farm and off-farm) stubble management are essential to consolidate these achievements and protect Punjab’s environment.

Chairing a meeting on stubble management strategy, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann informed that this year, paddy has been sown on approximately 3 million hectares in Punjab, which is expected to generate 18.81 million tonnes of stubble. He said, “Due to the concerted efforts of the Punjab Government, there has been an 86 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents in Punjab from 2023 to 2025. These incidents have reduced from 36,663 in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024 and further to 5,114 in 2025. We have to take this forward and ensure that stubble burning incidents are further reduced this year.”

Emphasizing the need for an intense grassroots campaign, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “A comprehensive information and awareness campaign should be launched at the village and block levels to make farmers aware of the harms of stubble burning. Every stakeholder should work together to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable alternatives to stubble burning.”

He said that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social workers should be actively involved in this campaign to further strengthen efforts to motivate farmers. He said, “NGOs and social workers should be involved in motivating farmers. Machinery demonstrations, street plays, meetings with Sarpanchs, oath-taking ceremonies, and other awareness programs should be organized extensively to ensure that the message reaches farmers at the grassroots level.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also called for a comprehensive digital and multimedia strategy to complement grassroots activities. He said, “A comprehensive digital plan should be implemented, including radio jingles, print media, television, mobile SMS, and outdoor media. A social media awareness campaign should also be launched on a large scale to create widespread awareness about the ill effects of stubble burning and available management options.”

Stressing the need to encourage outstanding farmers and rural institutions, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Progressive farmers, outstanding panchayats, PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Societies), and other stakeholders should be honored for their contributions. Such recognition will encourage others to adopt good practices and make stubble management a mass movement.”

He also stressed the need for coordination among all stakeholders and districts to effectively implement this strategy. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Excellent coordination among all stakeholders and districts should be ensured so that the entire plan can be implemented smoothly and effectively. Every department and stakeholder must work in coordination to achieve the desired results.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann also highlighted the importance of both on-farm and off-farm stubble management. He said, “On-farm and off-farm management of paddy stubble should be promoted to provide large-scale benefits to farmers and also protect the environment. Our aim should be to provide farmers with practical and sustainable alternatives to stubble burning.”Cabinet Ministers Gurmeet Singh Khudian and Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, Secretary Science and Technology Department K.K. Yadav, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Agriculture Department Arshdeep Singh Thind, and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.