Centre escalates push against crop burning as incidents spike across states

The Union government has called on five states to adopt a mission-mode approach to combat stubble burning, citing a sharp rise in incidents across parts of central India. The directive comes as authorities grapple with mounting air quality concerns linked to agricultural burning during harvest season.

State ministers have been instructed to strengthen surveillance mechanisms and accelerate the deployment of crop-residue management equipment in affected districts. Officials are also tasked with reviving idle machinery provided under government subsidy schemes, which have reportedly languished underutilized in several regions.

A key component of the intensified effort involves making mechanized stubble management more accessible to farmers through affordable rental schemes and cost-sharing arrangements. Agricultural extension workers are expected to conduct awareness campaigns highlighting health and environmental risks associated with open burning.

Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have emerged as particular pressure points, with monitoring data showing significant increases in stubble-burning incidents during the current agricultural cycle. Authorities in both states are expected to present action plans detailing enhanced coordination between agriculture and pollution control agencies.

The push reflects growing concerns about transboundary air pollution and its impact on urban areas, particularly in northern regions during October and November when post-harvest burning peaks across multiple states.