Punjab Farmers Protest Doubled Fines for Stubble Burning

Punjab’s farmer unions are voicing strong opposition to the central government’s decision to double fines for stubble burning, citing that the move unfairly targets farmers while overlooking major contributors to pollution such as industries and vehicles. Stubble burning, often practiced by farmers after the paddy harvest to prepare fields for wheat sowing, has been a contentious issue due to its link to air quality concerns, particularly in North India. However, Punjab’s farmer unions argue that penalizing farmers fails to address the root causes of pollution and adds financial strain to an already struggling community.

Here’s a closer look at the farmers’ grievances, the implications of the increased fines, and the solutions they advocate.

The Issue of Doubled Fines on Stubble Burning

In an attempt to curb stubble burning, the government recently doubled the fines:

For land up to two acres: the fine increased from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000.
For land between two and five acres: the fine rose from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
For land over five acres: the fine surged from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000.

While these fines aim to discourage stubble burning, farmer unions argue that financial penalties do little to address the core issue. Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan, General Secretary of the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ugrahan, voiced the frustration felt by many: “Even if they increase it by 10 times, farmers will not pay it. Fifty-one percent of pollution comes from industries. Has the government ever inspected them?” he asked. He pointed out that the government’s focus on stubble burning disregards pollution from other sources, such as factories and vehicles, which contribute significantly to the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and surrounding areas.

The Economic Hardship for Farmers

Farmers argue that they burn stubble out of necessity, not preference. With limited resources and time between crop cycles, many lack access to affordable alternatives for residue management. Jagmohan Singh Patiala, General Secretary of the BKU Dakaunda, emphasized that instead of imposing fines, the government should support farmers by providing subsidies or compensation for alternative stubble management methods. He suggested, “Diversification is the solution and not the imposition of fines on the already distressed farmer who is sleeping in mandis to sell his paddy.”

Adding to their plight is the lack of timely paddy procurement, with farmers facing long waits at mandis (markets) to sell their crops, adding another layer of financial and mental stress. Avtar Singh Tari, president of cooperative societies in Sangrur and nearby districts, highlighted that due to a shortage of operational sugar mills, many farmers shifted to paddy cultivation. Now, as they wait in mandis for their crops to be procured, they face punitive fines rather than support from the government.

Inadequate Access to Crop Residue Management (CRM) Equipment

A significant hurdle in reducing stubble burning is the lack of access to crop residue management (CRM) machinery, which helps farmers manage residue without burning it. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, explained that the state government has provided less than 30% of the necessary machinery to farmers. Many small and marginal farmers simply cannot afford the equipment or lack timely access to it, leaving them with little choice but to burn stubble.

Pandher criticized the government’s stance, arguing that they are “ignoring 51% of the pollution caused by industries and 25% caused by vehicles” while focusing excessively on stubble burning.

Farmers' Call for Accountability and Broader Pollution Solutions

Farmers argue that Delhi’s air quality remains poor year-round, especially in winter months when stubble burning is not practiced. Jagmohan Singh Patiala pointed out, “Delhi’s air quality is usually the worst in January, when no stubble burning is done. So it is high time they found out the reasons for the poor air quality rather than punishing only the farmers.”

The farmer unions emphasize that any effective solution to North India’s air pollution crisis must address a range of pollution sources, including industrial emissions, vehicular exhaust, and construction dust. Many also raised concerns about pollution in water bodies like the Yamuna River, asking the government to investigate pollution sources beyond agriculture.

Accusations of Targeted Punishment

Several farmer leaders suggest that the increased penalties are a tactic to suppress farmers’ protests for fair agricultural practices. Farmers have been rallying for the enforcement of legally guaranteed Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for their crops. According to Pandher, the targeting of farmers with increased fines feels like an attempt to penalize them for their ongoing protests. “This is sheer targeting of farmers to punish them for protesting for legally guaranteed minimum support prices,” he alleged.

Proposed Solutions by Farmers

The farmers have suggested several alternatives to fines, emphasizing the need for constructive support rather than punitive measures. Here’s what they propose:

Increased Access to CRM Machinery: Farmers demand that the state and central governments invest in providing CRM machinery at a subsidized rate or on a rental basis, making it accessible for small and marginal farmers who cannot afford to buy it.
Financial Compensation for Stubble Management: Rather than imposing fines, farmers suggest that the government provide compensation for stubble management practices that are eco-friendly, such as mulching and decomposition methods.
Diversification Incentives: Crop diversification, they argue, would reduce dependency on paddy, which produces high amounts of residue. They advocate for government policies that promote alternative crops, especially those that do not require stubble burning.
A Comprehensive Pollution Control Strategy: Farmers are calling on the government to address pollution holistically by including industries, construction, and vehicular emissions in its pollution mitigation strategies, rather than focusing solely on stubble burning.

Conclusion: The Need for a Balanced Approach to Pollution and Agriculture

The increase in fines for stubble burning has intensified the tension between Punjab’s farmers and the government. While stubble burning remains a significant issue in the fight against air pollution, targeting farmers without providing viable alternatives or addressing other major pollution sources has fueled resentment and protest.

To foster a more cooperative and effective approach, it is essential for the government to listen to farmers’ concerns, provide them with the necessary tools and support, and address the broader pollution landscape. By adopting a balanced strategy, India can take a meaningful step toward resolving its air quality crisis while also protecting the livelihoods of its farmers.