Punjab recorded 415 incidents of farm fire between September 15 and October 21, down from 1,510 cases reported during the same period last year, according to data compiled by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB).

The data showed that the number of farm fires recorded during this period in 2023 was 1,764.

The sharp drop comes amid a delayed paddy harvest as rains lashed the state until the first week of October. Damage caused by floods also delayed the crop harvest at some places.

Officials say stricter field monitoring and awareness campaigns, telling farmers about the ill-effects of stubble burning, have also had an impact.

A statement issued by the Punjab government said the sustained and rigorous efforts by the civil administration and police to prevent stubble burning have yie

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