High-level team of the Air Quality Management Commission reviews paddy straw management measures in Sangrur, Patiala, and Malerkotla in Punjab

In the final week of November 2026, a high‑level, technically capable team from the Central Monitoring and Air Quality (CMAQ) Commission visited Punjab’s major agricultural districts. The primary destinations of the tour were Sangrur, Patiala, and Malerkotla, where the team conducted an in‑depth review of various aspects related to rice straw management. The goal of this initiative is to identify and strengthen viable and effective strategies to improve air quality in the upcoming harvest season.

During the review, CMAQ experts not only assessed the use of existing machinery and technologies but also engaged in direct dialogue with farmers. The team sought to understand the obstacles farmers face in adopting modern straw‑management methods. Because rice cultivation is extensive in these three districts, the conditions there are even more challenging than in other parts of the state. Consequently, the inspection in this area is considered a model for the entire state.

The CMAQ team specifically examined the availability of straw‑management equipment, the regular use of these machines by farmers, and the availability of repair facilities. In addition, the effectiveness of organic fertilizer production, the use of straw for energy generation, and other alternative methods were evaluated. According to the report, some pilot efforts at the local level have yielded positive results, but further study is needed on their scalability and cost‑effectiveness.

Commission officials explained that this review is not limited to inspection alone; its ultimate purpose is to develop a comprehensive action plan. The plan will include economic incentives, technical assistance, and educational campaigns for farmers, aiming to significantly reduce open‑field straw burning in the upcoming session. Punjab government departments have also pledged cooperation in this process, and local administrations have been instructed to incorporate the CMAQ team’s recommendations into their actions.

The findings from the tour of Sangrur, Patiala, and Malerkotla will be presented at CMAQ’s next meeting, where official recommendations based on these inspections will be published. Experts believe that if farmer participation and technological solutions are properly integrated, a new standard can be set for Punjab’s air quality control. This initiative will not only reduce air pollution but also preserve soil fertility, which will ultimately benefit agricultural productivity.