PUNJAB SEES 66 PER CENT JUMP IN STUBBLE BURNING

Despite the Punjab government's claims to curb stubble burning, recent data from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC) reveals a 66% jump in farm fires from September 15 to October 2 compared to the same period last year.

- TARUNI GANDHI

On Monday alone, Punjab witnessed an additional 119 incidents of stubble burning, bringing the total count to 456, significantly higher than the 275 incidents recorded during the corresponding period last year, according to PRSC data.

Agriculture experts attribute this rise in stubble burning to a delay in harvesting short-duration paddy varieties due to September rains. The delayed sowing of vegetables compelled farmers in the Majha belt of the state to resort to burning even the waste of basmati residue to prevent losses.