Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh farmers burn 29 million metric tons of paddy straw
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims + Mains·
Stubble burning challenges: a GS3 case study on agricultural mechanization and regulatory compliance.
Why in news
Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burned 29 million metric tons of paddy straw, highlighting the limitations of the PPSSWA 2009 and the high costs of Happy Seeders.
Background
Farmers burned 29 million metric tons of paddy straw in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The practice is driven by narrow harvest windows and high costs for Happy Seeders despite the PPSSWA 2009 guidelines.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyCPCB: Central Pollution Control Board deployed squads in 2025 to monitor straw burning.
- Fact29 million metric tons of paddy straw were burned in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- S&TNASA satellites are used to monitor agricultural burning, though farmers reportedly burn at night to evade detection.
- FactA reported 90% reduction in straw burning may be inaccurate due to night-time burning.
Prelims practice question
With reference to stubble burning in Northern India, consider the following statements:
- The reported 90% reduction in straw burning is considered fully accurate by authorities.
- The CPCB deployed squads in 2024 to monitor agricultural burning.
- Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burned 29 million metric tons of paddy straw.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)3 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The 90% reduction may be inaccurate due to night-time burning. Statement 2 is incorrect: The CPCB deployed squads in 2025.
For Mains
Q. Critically analyze the challenges in curbing stubble burning in Northern India despite existing regulatory frameworks and technological interventions.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Economic barrier: High capital expenditure for Happy Seeders and machinery for small-scale farmers
- Regulatory loophole: Night-time burning tactics to evade satellite monitoring and CPCB enforcement
- Logistical constraint: Narrow harvest windows under PPSSWA 2009 creating time-pressure for farmers
Keywords: Stubbe burning · Soil depletion · Air quality management · Agricultural mechanization · Regulatory compliance
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.