Not in favour of FIRs against farmers over stubble burning: Punjab CM Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has expressed opposition to filing FIRs against farmers for stubble burning, advocating instead for financial incentives to manage crop residue. He argues that farmers are unfairly blamed for regional air pollution and calls for a broader approach involving neighboring states.
Why it matters
This reflects the complex policy challenge of balancing agricultural economic needs with environmental health in Northern India.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated on Saturday (September 19, 2026) that he does not 'favour' FIRs being filed against farmers for stubble burning, and emphasised that paddy growers should receive a cash incentive for not setting their crop residue on fire.
Mr. Mann made these remarks just days before the paddy harvesting season in Punjab begins.
Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is often blamed for increased air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region. Due to the short window for the Rabi crop (wheat) after the paddy harvest in October and November, many farmers burn their fields to quickly clear the crop residue.
Paddy growers have been demanding a ₹3,000 cash incentive per acre for managing paddy stubble.
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