Punjab partners with Deloitte to curb stubble burning and improve air quality

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The North News

Chandigarh, September

Punjab has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Deloitte to expand successful crop residue management measures aimed at reducing stubble burning and tackling air pollution.

The agreement, signed in Chandigarh on Monday, brings together the state’s agriculture and health departments with Deloitte, which ran a pilot project in 17 villages of Patiala district last year. The initiative cut farm fire incidents by more than 80%. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the programme would focus on awareness campaigns, village-level meetings and the rollout of a digital awareness van featuring motivational videos. A mascot, “Unnat Singh,” symbolising a progressive farmer, will be promoted across villages. Farmers will also receive merchandise such as T-shirts, calendars and tote bags carrying messages on sustainable practices.

He added that a mobile app, Krishi Yantra Saathi (KYS), would be launched to make it easier for farmers to book and schedule farm machinery for residue management. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the partnership highlighted the direct link between farm fires and public health. “The smoke from stubble burning severely impacts air quality, leading to a rise in respiratory and other health problems,” he said. “The success in Patiala shows a viable model to protect both the environment and people’s health.”

Officials including Principal Secretary for Health Kumar Rahul and Secretary Agriculture Basant Garg joined the event, along with Deloitte executives. The ministers said the partnership underscored Punjab’s determination to scale up proven strategies to ensure cleaner air, healthier communities and sustainable farming practices.