Haryana is setting an ambitious goal to completely stop the practice of stubble burning by the year 2030. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini recently highlighted stubble burning as a major cause of poor air quality in the region. He stated that the state government has developed a comprehensive action plan to achieve this objective.
One key part of this plan is providing financial support to farmers. The government will offer a subsidy of approximately ₹200 crore for the purchase of machines that help manage crop residue. This financial aid aims to make these essential machines more accessible to farmers, encouraging them to adopt alternatives to burning.
Haryana has made significant progress in reducing stubble burning over the past decade. The state claims to have already eliminated 90 per cent of stubble burning incidents, leaving Punjab behind in this environmental effort. Last year, the state saw a remarkable 39 per cent reduction in stubble burning cases compared to the previous year.
Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana expressed optimism about the change in farmers’ attitudes. He noted that ten years ago, the government had to persuade farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning. Today, farmers are actively seeking solutions and showing a willingness to adopt better practices. This shift in mindset is seen as a crucial factor in achieving the goal of a stubble-burning free Haryana.
This initiative comes as environmental bodies are increasing pressure on states in the National Capital Region (NCR) to tackle air pollution. In May this year, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in Delhi issued strict guidelines to neighbouring states, including Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. These guidelines outlined 19 specific steps to be taken to eliminate stubble burning completely.
Among the directives from CAQM are mapping every farm, assigning nodal officers to manage groups of farmers, and discontinuing the use of old crop residue management machines. The commission also stressed the importance of making these machines available to small and marginal farmers free of charge. Furthermore, states have been asked to form special forces, comprising police, agriculture, and civic officials, to closely monitor and prevent stubble burning incidents.
Haryana’s commitment to ending stubble burning reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a proactive approach to sustainable agriculture. By investing in technology and fostering a collaborative spirit with farmers, the state hopes to significantly improve air quality and create a healthier environment for its citizens.