Gurdaspur bans night wheat harvesting with combines
Rohit Gupta
Gurdaspur (Punjab), April 18, 2026: The district administration has imposed a ban on harvesting wheat using combine harvesters during night hours, restricting operations between 7:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
The order, issued by Gursimran Singh Dhillon under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Protection Code, 2023, will remain in force from April 5 to June 10, 2026.
Officials said the move comes in response to concerns that night-time harvesting often leads to cutting of unripe or green wheat, which affects grain quality. Poor-quality produce is frequently rejected by procurement agencies, causing financial losses to farmers and impacting overall production.
The administration has directed strict enforcement of the order. Senior police officials, municipal authorities, agriculture officers, and block-level officials have been tasked with ensuring compliance through regular checks.
Authorities have warned that any combine found operating during prohibited hours will be seized immediately, and officials failing to enforce the order will face action for negligence.