Shivraj Chouhan says farmers not solely responsible for pollution in Punjab; Responding to MP Satnam Sandhu
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), March 28 2026:During the stubble-burning season, Punjab’s farmers are often blamed for rising pollution levels. However, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan clarified in Parliament that farmers alone cannot be held responsible.
The issue was raised by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, who asked about measures to control pollution caused by crop residue burning. Responding, Minister Chouhan stated that farmers are fully engaged in stubble management and are increasingly adopting modern machinery and alternative methods instead of burning residue.
He emphasized that pollution has multiple causes and it is unfair to put the entire burden on farmers. Minister Chouhan pointed out that industrial units, vehicular emissions, and several other factors also contribute significantly to pollution in Punjab.
“The farmers are making every effort to manage stubble responsibly,” he said, “but responsibility for pollution is shared and cannot rest solely on their shoulders.”