Patiala, May 9 -- Despite repeated appeals and stricter enforcement measures, farmers in the state continue widespread crop residue burning, leading to a significant surge in farm fire incidents this season.

The state on Friday recorded the highest single-day spike so far with 1,447 farm fire incidents reported in just 24 hours, taking the cumulative count of the ongoing season to 6,154 cases. The surge has raised fresh concerns over air pollution and the state's preparedness ahead of the paddy sowing season beginning from June 1.

According to the data compiled by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Bathinda reported the highest number of farm fires on Friday at 159, followed by Amritsar with 158 and Moga with 152 inciden...