Punjab: Poor uptake, lack of use as biofuel key issues in stubble disposal

Punjab: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has found that delays in paddy residue collection, lack of funds for necessary machinery repairs, and low utilization of stubble as biofuel in industrial units are among the major challenges facing farmers in Punjab. These concerns were raised during a four-hour review meeting chaired by CAQM Chairman Rajesh Verma on Friday. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, police officers, and other senior officials from all districts of Punjab. Verma, along with CAQM Member Secretary Tarun Kumar Pithode, visited the Rajpura Thermal Plant on Thursday to assess the blending of biomass pellets with coal and ongoing stubble management initiatives in Patiala district. They also visited a bioenergy plant near Khandebad village in Sangrur and the Guru Hargobind Thermal Plant in Lehra Mohabbat. During the review, it was highlighted that farmers are facing delays in lifting bundles and rakes of paddy stubble from their fields.
He asked officials to ensure timely clearance for wheat sowing. Another major concern was the shortage of spare parts for stubble management machines. Many machines reportedly remain unused due to lack of funds for repairs or the unavailability of critical parts. Gurnam Singh, head of the Paddy Strawberry Management Cell at CAQM Chandigarh, stated that all concerns have been conveyed to the concerned departments and immediate action has been directed. The Commission also found that thermal power plants are currently blending only about 2 percent biomass pellets with coal, far below the 5 percent target recommended by CAQM. Plants have been directed to increase the blending level as soon as possible. Meanwhile, 100 cases of stubble burning were reported across Punjab on Friday, bringing the total this season to 3,384. The highest number of incidents were reported from Muktsar (16), followed by Ludhiana (12), and nine each from Sangrur and Ferozepur.