Stubble-burning fires drop 31% across six states as Delhi braces for winter

Farm fires fell sharply during the opening weeks of this year’s stubble-burning season. Satellite data recorded 2,265 incidents between 15 September and 27 October, compared with 3,300 during the same period last year. That represents a 31.3% year-on-year decline across six states.

The figures come from ICAR’s satellite-based monitoring system. The data covered Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. Punjab had the largest total, with 717 incidents, while Madhya Pradesh was the only state in the group to record an increase.

The reduction matters because farm fires can worsen Delhi-NCR’s air during winter. However, officials caution that the main fire period usually falls between the last week of October and the second week of November. Weather, harvesting delays, crop-residue practices and other pollution sources will therefore shape Delhi’s air quality in the coming weeks.

Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue left in fields after paddy is harvested. The residue includes stalks, leaves and other plant material. Burning clears the field quickly and can prepare it for the next crop, especially when farmers have little time between harvest and sowing.

Farmers can also leave residue for removal, incorporation into soil or use in other crop-residue management systems. The source article does not identify one specific reason for each farmer’s decision. It does report awareness campaigns and crop-residue management initiatives in Punjab and Haryana.

The central concern is smoke. Farm fires contribute about 2.25% of Delhi’s pollution annually, but their share can rise to 12-40% during the winter burning season. The smoke mixes with pollution from vehicles, road dust, industry and other local sources, making Delhi-NCR’s air worse.

ICAR’s analysis covered six northern and central Indian states: Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh. Together, they recorded 2,265 satellite-detected farm-fire incidents between 15 September and 27 October this year.

Punjab had the highest number, with 717 incidents. Rajasthan followed with 533, and Madhya Pradesh recorded 510. Uttar Pradesh reported 324 cases. Uttarakhand had 159 incidents, while Haryana recorded the fewest, with only 22. Madhya Pradesh was the only state where incidents increased compared with last year.

These differences show that the seasonal pattern was not uniform across the region. Punjab remained the biggest contributor by count, but conditions differed between states. Authorities are using satellite monitoring, ground patrols and crop-residue management efforts to reduce fires, while officials warn that the peak period still lies ahead.

Stubble burning affects Delhi because smoke from fires in neighbouring states can travel into the National Capital Region. The article estimates that farm fires contribute around 2.25% of Delhi’s pollution annually. During the winter burning season, their contribution can rise sharply to 12-40%, depending on weather and the number of fires.

The effect is not isolated. Delhi’s air also contains pollution from vehicles, traffic congestion, road dust, industrial emissions and other local sources. When farm-fire smoke arrives alongside these sources, overall air quality can deteriorate further. Wind speed also influenced recent conditions, with reduced fires and stronger winds helping Delhi-NCR’s air.

The decline in fires is therefore encouraging but not conclusive. Officials say most fires occur between the last week of October and the second week of November. Monitoring must continue through that period, when weather and fire counts can still push pollution higher.

Delhi-NCR’s air quality worsens from November to February because winter conditions can reduce the atmosphere’s ability to disperse pollution. Cooler, calmer air can trap emissions closer to the ground. This is established atmospheric science; the article specifically links pollution levels to weather conditions, wind speed and the number of farm fires.

Stubble burning adds a seasonal source during this period, but it is only one part of the problem. Delhi also faces emissions from vehicles, traffic congestion, road dust, industries, diesel generators, construction and waste. The article notes that the region has poor air quality throughout the year.

Recent conditions show why the annual pattern is not determined by fires alone. Reduced farm fires and improved wind speed helped air quality, while Delhi still recorded an AQI of 185 at 12.30 pm on a Thursday. Authorities’ seven-month plan targets several sources through March 2027.

Crop residue does not have to be burned. Farmers can incorporate it into soil, use it as mulch, bale it for collection or adopt machinery and other residue-management systems. The article does not list specific methods, but it highlights large-scale crop-residue management initiatives in Punjab and Haryana as a possible reason for fewer fires.

Satellite monitoring identifies fire locations quickly across large areas. Ground patrols can then verify incidents, discourage burning and support enforcement or awareness work. Officials said intensive real-time satellite tracking and patrolling helped reduce stubble-burning events. These tools work best alongside practical alternatives that let farmers clear fields on time.

The fall in fires is encouraging, but the main burning period usually comes later. Authorities need to remain watchful through the last week of October and the second week of November. Sustained monitoring, outreach and residue management will be important beyond this season.

The seasonal pattern begins with paddy harvesting. Once the grain is removed, stalks and other residue remain in the field. Farmers then need to remove or manage that material before planting the next crop. When the interval is short, burning becomes a fast way to clear fields, creating a seasonal rise in detected fires.

Weather can shift every stage. The article links deficient June rainfall to delayed paddy transplantation, which may delay harvesting. Untimely October rainfall can delay harvesting and crop-residue burning further. Palak Balyan said these changes may explain why fires had not yet risen as strongly in Punjab and Haryana.

The early decline may therefore reflect timing rather than a permanent change. Officials say the main fire period is usually the last week of October through the second week of November. Satellite counts and ground monitoring will show whether fires remain lower as harvesting advances.