Pollution alert! Why there may be more farm fires in Punjab, Haryana this winter

Delay in paddy harvesting will narrow the winter crop sowing window that can lead to more stubble burning cases because farmers will get less time to clear fields.

Inclement weather has delayed paddy harvesting by a week in Punjab and Haryana. The delay will narrow the winter crop sowing window that can lead to more stubble burning cases because farmers will get less time to clear fields.

Punjab farmers usually get 20 to 25 days after harvesting paddy. A shorter window is the primary reason Punjab and Haryana farmers resort to widespread burning of crop stubble.