Chandigarh, September 22
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Monday said the Centre’s proposed 2026 rules on stubble burning reflected an anti-farmer approach, as instead of creating stronger incentives and market linkages for crop-residue management, the BJP-led government was preparing to impose financial penalties and strengthen the “red entry” mechanism against farmers.
Reacting to the Centre’s draft rules, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said, “The proposed framework provided for environmental compensation of ₹5,000 for farmers with less than two acres of land, ₹10,000 for those holding two to less than five acres and ₹30,000 for landholdings above five acres. The draft also proposes a “red entry” against the land record for 15 months, with the possibility of extension in specified circumstances.”
The AAP Punjab Media In-charge said, “The Centre is once again choosing the path of punishment instead of partnership with farmers. The proposed rules impose penalties running into thousands of rupees and strengthen the red-entry mechanism, putting additional pressure on farmers. A government that claims to work for farmers should be providing solutions, incentives and assured markets for paddy straw instead of threatening them with penalties.”
He said the Centre should look at the progress already made in Punjab instead of treating the state’s farmers as the problem. According to official data, Punjab recorded 5,114 farm-fire incidents during the 2025 paddy harvesting season, a 53% reduction from 2024 and a 93% reduction from 2021.
“Punjab’s farmer is an aware and progressive farmer. He understands that burning residue damages the environment and soil. The results are already visible. Farm fires have fallen sharply, and the movement towards scientific management of paddy straw is growing stronger every year,” he said.
Baltej Pannu said the emergence of companies and industries procuring paddy straw was creating new economic avenues for farmers and helping turn crop residue into a resource. The Centre’s own Crop Residue Management framework also recognises the importance of ex-situ utilisation through biomass power and biofuel supply chains.
He said, “Today, companies are coming forward to purchase paddy straw. Farmers have more options to manage residue without burning it. Punjab is moving towards a situation where stubble burning can be eliminated altogether. The Centre should strengthen these markets and provide greater financial support instead of adding another layer of penalties.”
Targeting the BJP governments in neighbouring states, Baltej Pannu said, “If the BJP-led Centre is genuinely concerned about stubble burning, it should also ask what is happening in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Punjab has already demonstrated a substantial reduction in farm fires. The focus should be on providing practical solutions across all states rather than repeatedly putting the blame on Punjab’s farmers.”
He also questioned the position of Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Badal on the Centre’s proposed measures, saying, “Sukhbir Badal is desperate to reach an understanding with the Centre. Now Punjab’s farmers will want to know what he has to say about these anti-farmer provisions. Will he stand with Punjab’s farmers or remain silent for political convenience?”
Baltej Pannu said Punjab would continue working towards complete elimination of stubble burning through scientific residue management, machinery, market linkages and greater utilisation of paddy straw. “Punjab’s farmers have already shown that change is possible. The direction is clear: less burning, more scientific management and more income opportunities from paddy straw. The Centre should support this transformation instead of threatening farmers with fines,” he said.