6,244 farm fires in Punjab so far

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 14

Advancing the paddy sowing date to June 1 has led to a surge in wheat residue burning incidents across Punjab, as farmers rush to clear their fields for the upcoming paddy crop. As per government data, the state has witnessed 6,244 farm fires so far, with a marked increase during the second week of May.

On May 7, 540 farm fires were reported. The number dipped to 140 and 180 on May 8 and 9, respectively, before surging to 806 on May 10. The peak was recorded on May 11 with 1,410 cases. The following two days (May 12 and 13) saw 654 and 816 cases, respectively.

District-wise, Amritsar leads with the highest number of farm fires at 676, followed by Gurdaspur (562), Moga (474), Bathinda (472), Ferozepur (452), Sangrur (431) and Tarn Taran (408).

Although this year’s total of 6,244 incidents so far reflects a 21 per cent dip compared to 7,832 cases during the same period last year, experts warn that the trend remains worrying. Comparative data shows that 14,117 incidents were recorded by May 14 in 2022, 8,742 in 2023 and 7,832 in 2024.

Agricultural experts say the advancing of paddy sowing date is a key factor behind the spurt in farm fires. Farmers now have less time between harvesting wheat and preparing their fields for paddy, pushing many to resort to burning the leftover straw.

Punjab