Chandigarh, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday criticised the Centre’s proposed 2026 rules on stubble burning, alleging that the framework relied on penalties and land-record restrictions rather than providing stronger incentives and market support to farmers for crop-residue management.
Reacting to the draft rules, Pannu said the proposed framework provided for environmental compensation of ₹5,000 for farmers with less than two acres of land, ₹10,000 for those holding between two and five acres, and ₹30,000 for landholdings above five acres. The draft also proposes marking land records with a “red entry” for 15 months following a stubble-burning incident, with the period potentially extending by another 15 months if there is a subsequent incident or the compensation remains unpaid.
“The Centre is once again choosing the path of punishment instead of partnership with farmers. The proposed rules impose penalties running into thousands of rupees and strengthen the red-entry mechanism, putting additional pressure on farmers,” Pannu said.
He argued that the Centre should focus on incentives, assured markets and practical alternatives for residue management instead of placing additional financial pressure on farmers.
Pannu also pointed to the decline in farm-fire incidents in Punjab, saying the state had recorded 5,114 incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season — 53 per cent fewer than in 2024 and 93 per cent fewer than in 2021. The figures are also reflected in data released by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
“Punjab’s farmer is an aware and progressive farmer. He understands that burning residue damages the environment and soil. The results are already visible. Farm fires have fallen sharply, and the movement towards scientific management of paddy straw is growing stronger every year,” he said.
Pannu said the growing involvement of companies and industries in procuring paddy straw was creating additional economic opportunities for farmers. He urged the Centre to strengthen such supply chains and support the use of crop residue as a resource.
The draft itself proposes using collected environmental compensation for measures including crop diversification, biomass utilisation and storage, research and development in crop-residue management and support for residue-management technologies.
“Today, companies are coming forward to purchase paddy straw. Farmers have more options to manage residue without burning it. Punjab is moving towards a situation where stubble burning can be eliminated altogether. The Centre should strengthen these markets and provide greater financial support instead of adding another layer of penalties,” Pannu said.
He also questioned the approach towards neighbouring states, saying the Centre should address stubble burning in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh while recognising the reduction achieved in Punjab.
“If the BJP-led Centre is genuinely concerned about stubble burning, it should also ask what is happening in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab has already demonstrated a substantial reduction in farm fires. The focus should be on providing practical solutions across all states rather than repeatedly putting the blame on Punjab’s farmers,” he said.
Pannu further questioned Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal over his position on the proposed measures and asked whether he would speak out against what he described as anti-farmer provisions.
He said Punjab would continue working towards eliminating stubble burning through scientific residue management, machinery, market linkages and greater utilisation of paddy straw.
“Punjab’s farmers have already shown that change is possible. The direction is clear: less burning, more scientific management and more income opportunities from paddy straw. The Centre should support this transformation instead of threatening farmers with fines,” Pannu said.
The Centre has invited objections and suggestions on the draft rules for 60 days before their finalisation.
FOLLOW NOW
