Zero Burning, Double Earning: Punjab’s Action Plan-2025 Turns Stubble into Green Gold

Punjab News: As North India gets ready for the post-paddy season smog, the Punjab government has introduced its Action Plan-2025, aiming to end the old practice of burning crop stubble. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this plan will not only cut pollution but also create new ways for farmers to earn. A new agreement with Deloitte will help turn stubble into ‘green gold’ instead of smoke. A pilot project carried out last year in 17 villages of Patiala cut fire cases by more than 80 percent, and now this model will be expanded to the entire state.

New Opportunities for Farmers

This agreement is not just about technical support—it is a mission to make farmers stronger. The government has announced a Rs 500 crore Action Plan-2025 to raise farmers’ earnings by using stubble for bio-energy, organic manure, and electricity. Along with Rs 150 crore support from the central government, more than 15,000 machines like super seeders and balers are being offered at low prices. The stubble that once caused pollution will now add income to farmers’ accounts and also improve soil health. The success of last year, where stubble fires fell by 80 percent (from 36,551 to 10,479), gives more power to this year’s target. The plan includes 4,367 new subsidized machines and upgrading 1,500 Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs). Around 7.06 million tons of stubble will be turned into energy in power plants, biogas units, and fuel through ex-situ use. With Deloitte’s support, new biomass energy projects and biogas units will be set up, giving farmers fair prices for their stubble. Experts say that proper use of 19 million tons of stubble can bring farmers lakhs of extra income each year.

Awareness and Health Benefits

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian shared that many awareness activities will be carried out through village meetings and door-to-door campaigns. Digital vans with the mascot ‘Unnat Singh’ will motivate farmers, while items like T-shirts, calendars, mugs, and tote bags with catchy slogans will spread the message. A new mobile app, ‘Krishi Yantra Saathi (KYS),’ is also being launched to make booking farm equipment easier. The awareness drive will cover 3,333 villages and 296 blocks.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh praised Deloitte’s support and said that smoke from burning stubble harms the air and increases health risks like breathing problems. The success in Patiala shows how the environment and people’s health can both be protected. He added that this partnership is an important move for a greener and healthier Punjab. As per the Punjab Pollution Control Board, from September 15 to 27, 2025, only 82 fire cases were recorded, which is 16 percent less than last year. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “Our farmers are our pride. We see stubble as an opportunity, not a problem. This Action Plan-2025 will clean the air of Punjab and also improve farmers’ income.” The plan will manage 20.5 million tons of stubble through both in-situ and ex-situ methods, along with promoting Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) on 5 lakh acres.