States directed to curb wheat stubble burning during harvest season

Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvesting. It is an environmental concern because it significantly contributes to air pollution, leading to health problems and reduced visibility, especially during the winter months.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan to implement state action plans. The key directives include mapping each farm, tagging nodal officers to farmer groups, and ensuring the availability of crop residue management machines.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) plays a key role in addressing air pollution caused by stubble burning by issuing directives, providing frameworks for states to control crop residue burning, and monitoring the implementation of measures.

Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines are used to manage crop residue in the field without burning it. These machines help in incorporating the residue into the soil, which improves soil health and reduces air pollution. Governments often provide subsidies to promote their use.

Satellite monitoring in 2025 highlighted the need for targeted interventions during the wheat harvesting season. This indicates that wheat stubble burning also contributes to air pollution, necessitating measures to prevent it, alongside those already in place for paddy stubble.

Potential challenges include the cost of CRM machines for farmers, lack of awareness, and logistical issues in mapping farms and tagging nodal officers. Measures to address these include providing subsidies, conducting awareness campaigns, and ensuring efficient coordination between government agencies and farmer groups.