Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday made a fervent appeal to the Central Government, calling for a “practical solution” to the ongoing stubble burning crisis, which continues to plague Northern India. Mann emphasized that compensatory measures for farmers could serve as an effective alternative to the current crop procurement system, which forces farmers to cultivate paddy and subsequently burn stubble to clear their fields.

As the air quality in Delhi and neighbouring regions deteriorates once again due to stubble burning, Mann underscored the need for urgent and coordinated action. He stressed that the issue is not limited to Punjab but affects the entire northern belt of India.

“If PM Modi can stop the Ukraine war like they showed in the ad, can he not stop the smoke here?” quipped Mann, expressing frustration over the lack of decisive intervention from the Central Government.

Mann explained that the absence of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for alternative crops compels farmers to grow paddy, leading to the annual stubble burning that severely impacts air quality. He reiterated that farmers do not want to burn stubble but are left with little choice due to the current agricultural practices. “The farmers in Punjab do not want to burn stubble or even cultivate paddy in the first place,” Mann said, while urging the Central Government to implement compensatory schemes to incentivize farmers to shift to more sustainable crops.

The Punjab Government has taken several measures to combat stubble burning, including the distribution of 1.25 lakh machines to farmers, which has helped reduce the number of incidents. Mann pointed out that out of 75 lakh hectares of paddy cultivation, stubble on 40 lakh hectares is now managed without burning, thanks to these efforts. However, he believed that more needs to be done, and financial support for farmers is essential for a long-term solution.

Mann also criticized the Central Government for its approach, which he described as punitive rather than supportive. Haryana, for instance, has adopted strict measures, including filing FIRs against violators. Mann argued that this method is insufficient and that practical solutions, such as compensation, are more effective in curbing stubble burning.

With the Supreme Court expressing concern over the issue and summoning officials from Punjab and Haryana, the pressure is mounting on the Central Government to take decisive action. Mann’s appeal highlighted the need for a cooperative approach to address the environmental crisis that affects millions across Northern India.