FAISALABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 29th Aug, 2026) The Punjab Agriculture Department has warned the farmers against burning paddy stubble and other crop residues, cautioning that this practice not only carries the risk of arrest, punishment and fines under environmental laws but also fuels hazardous smog, deteriorates air quality and damages the soil’s organic matter.
A spokesman of Agriculture (Extension) Department said that burning residues and stubble of paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane and other crops is an offence under Section 7 of the Punjab Environmental Protection Laws 2023.
The warning comes as early-sown paddy crop in some parts of the province is approaching harvest, prompting the department to urge growers to adopt scientific harvesting and residue-management practices instead of setting crop remains on fire, he added.
He said that smoke generated by burning paddy stubble was a major contributor to smog, which posed serious risks to human health and could aggravate the already critical problem of air pollution.
He explained that the damage caused by stubble burning went beyond temporary deterioration in air quality, as the intense heat generated by fire also harmed organic matter present in the soil. This could adversely affect soil health and fertility and undermine sustainable agricultural practices, he added.
He has cautioned the farmers that setting paddy residues on fire could result in legal action, including arrest, punishment and imposition of fines.
He advised the farmers to consult local agricultural experts of the Punjab Agriculture Department before harvesting paddy and carry out the harvesting process through scientific methods so that crop residues could be managed safely and productively.
He urged the farming community to avoid practices that contribute to smog and environmental degradation.
He stressed that responsible residue management was essential not only for protecting public health but also for maintaining the long-term productivity of agricultural land.
