ADC flags off Awareness Van to curb stubble burning in Ferozepur
Ferozepur, April 1, 2026: The district administration has intensified its campaign to prevent the burning of wheat stubble. Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Krishna Pal Rajput flagged off an awareness van aimed at educating farmers across the district.
Stubble burning in Punjab remains a major agricultural challenge. Traditionally, paddy residue is burned in autumn to prepare fields for wheat sowing, contributing significantly to air pollution across northern India. While cases reportedly declined by 53–70% during 2024–25—and even up to 90% compared to 2022 due to the distribution of over 2.6 lakh Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines—thousands of farm fires are still reported annually.
Added here, the farmers often cite limited time between crops and lack of cost-effective alternatives as key reasons. Technological solutions, such as in-situ management using Happy Seeders and ex-situ uses like biomass fuel, are being promoted. Authorities stress that sustained awareness, incentives, and stricter monitoring are crucial to tackling the issue.
Speaking on the occasion, Krishna Pal Rajput said the administration is committed to reducing stubble burning incidents to zero in line with Punjab government guidelines. He added that groundwork has already begun at the grassroots level, and the campaign will cover every village in Ferozepur. The van will travel across rural areas for 40 days, spreading awareness about the environmental hazards of stubble burning and the legal consequences associated with it.
Agriculture officials, including Dr Balwinder Singh (Chief Agriculture Officer), Dr Neeraj Sharma, and other technical staff, were present during the flag-off ceremony.