CHANDIGARH, September 2: The Punjab Government has initiated a multi-tier public outreach campaign designed to assist farmers with paddy straw handling ahead of the seasonal harvest. Reviewing state preparations, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that inter-departmental coordination will be prioritized to ensure seamless access to straw management equipment and sustainable agricultural technologies across all districts.
During the administrative strategy session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that previous government initiatives helped lower farm fire incidents from 36,663 cases in 2023 to 10,909 in 2024, reaching 5,114 cases during the 2025 season. To manage the anticipated 18.81 million tonnes of paddy straw this season, state agencies are coordinating with local social workers and village institutions to hold equipment demonstrations and informational meetings.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that widespread adoption of environmental practices relies on active collaboration between local bodies and agricultural societies. The state plan includes media broadcasts, digital messaging, and recognition programs for progressive farming communities that successfully eliminate field burning. Senior administrative leaders, including Secretary Agriculture Arshdeep Singh Thind and Principal Secretary to CM Dr. Ravi Bhagat, were present to finalize operational guidelines across the farming blocks.
