Union Ministers chaired a high-level review in New Delhi on stubble-burning mitigation with agriculture ministers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi’s Environment Minister joining virtually. The meeting, held at Krishi Bhavan, aimed to align financial assistance, crop-management innovation, and farmer awareness under a single coordinated framework to reduce seasonal air pollution.
The Union Agriculture Minister urged states to intensify awareness drives through panchayats and local representatives, promote direct seeding and crop diversification, and ensure effective use of central funds for stubble-management machinery. He announced plans to personally demonstrate direct wheat sowing to encourage farmer adoption. The Environment Minister stressed stronger Centre–State coordination, improved collection and industrial utilisation of stubble in bio-CNG, compost, and thermal plants, and real-time monitoring to verify progress. Together, both ministries framed a roadmap that links policy design, technology adoption, and behavioural change to achieve measurable reductions in farm-fire incidents ahead of the winter pollution season.
This joint initiative reflects India’s integrated approach to tackling agricultural emissions and rural pollution, connecting farm-level practices to national climate-action goals and sustainable-farming policies.
What is stubble management?
Stubble management refers to the collection, recycling, or in-situ treatment of crop residue—such as paddy straw—after harvest to prevent open burning and its adverse impact on soil health and air quality.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders:
How can India institutionalise year-round monitoring, funding, and incentives so that stubble management becomes a permanent component of climate-smart agriculture?
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