📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Repro John Erling Blad
Agriculture
Punjab records 25 farm fires, two fewer than Madhya Pradesh
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 20 Oct 2026, 03:37 PM
👁 19
Punjab reported 25 farm fires, a count that is just two less than the 27 recorded in Madhya Pradesh, according to the latest data.
Punjab's agricultural department confirmed 25 separate farm fire incidents in the state over the past reporting period. The figure places Punjab just two incidents behind Madhya Pradesh, which logged 27 fires in the same timeframe. The data, released by the state’s disaster management cell, reflects a modest rise compared with the previous month.
Farm fires have become a recurring concern across several Indian states, often linked to crop residue burning and accidental ignition during harvesting. While Punjab traditionally records fewer incidents than northern neighbours, the recent tally underscores the need for tighter monitoring during peak agricultural cycles.
State officials have urged farmers to adopt alternative residue management practices and have pledged additional patrols in vulnerable districts. The department also announced coordination with the central Ministry of Agriculture to disseminate best‑practice guidelines and to explore subsidised equipment that can reduce reliance on open burning.
The report comes as the Ministry of Environment continues to push for a nationwide reduction in crop‑residue burning, citing air‑quality impacts and compliance with the National Clean Air Programme.
Farm fires have become a recurring concern across several Indian states, often linked to crop residue burning and accidental ignition during harvesting. While Punjab traditionally records fewer incidents than northern neighbours, the recent tally underscores the need for tighter monitoring during peak agricultural cycles.
State officials have urged farmers to adopt alternative residue management practices and have pledged additional patrols in vulnerable districts. The department also announced coordination with the central Ministry of Agriculture to disseminate best‑practice guidelines and to explore subsidised equipment that can reduce reliance on open burning.
The report comes as the Ministry of Environment continues to push for a nationwide reduction in crop‑residue burning, citing air‑quality impacts and compliance with the National Clean Air Programme.