New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Punjab's reported stubble-burning incidents have fallen from 49,922 in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025 and 474 so far in 2026, according to figures from the state agriculture department. The decline comes as the state expands subsidised access to crop-residue management equipment, while incidents in Madhya Pradesh have risen.

Residue removal involves machinery, labour and transport costs, particularly for small farmers. Punjab combines equipment subsidies with shared machinery and alternative uses for straw.

Data cited in the release show Madhya Pradesh recorded 8,160 incidents in 2021, rising to 11,737 in 2022, 12,500 in 2023, 16,360 in 2024 and 17,067 in 2025. Across six states, 33,028 incidents were recorded during the 20...