Stubble Burning Reduced by 70% in Uttar Pradesh, Says Agriculture Minister; Focus on Incentivizing Stubble Management

Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi has reported a significant reduction of nearly 70% in stubble burning compared to the previous year in the state. Responding to concerns about air pollution in Delhi, Shahi emphasized that the issue should not be politicized. He stated that the state government is committed to complying with the Supreme Court’s orders, emphasizing the need for time to address the issue.

The government is penalizing violators while incentivizing stubble management and increasing efforts to educate and raise awareness among farmers. Shahi highlighted the state’s focus on incentivizing stubble management through dedicated Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), with compressed Biogas plants set up in Gorakhpur and Badaun.

The agriculture department reported a decline in stubble-burning incidents in Uttar Pradesh, from over 3,000 cases in 2022 to under 1,000 cases until October this year. According to recent figures, stubble-burning incidents in multiple states, including UP, have decreased by approximately 54% during the current paddy harvesting season compared to the same period in 2022.