New Delhi: The season of farm fires is here and 47 cases have already been recorded in Punjab , Haryana , Rajasthan, UP and Madhya Pradesh between Sept 15 and 23.
Of the total 47 cases reported between Sept 15 and 23, Punjab recorded 25 farm fires, Uttar Pradesh 19 and Haryana, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh one each. The contribution of stubble burning to Delhi’s PM2.5 was less in 2025 as the share of farm fires in Delhi’s air quality surpassed 10% on just eight days, including over 20% on only one day. It remained below 5% on most days. In contrast, the share of stubble burning was above 20% on 14 days in 2024, according to the data of Decision Support System.
This is according to the satellite data compiled by Indian Agricultural Research Institute. Anumita Roychowdhury, executive director, research and advocacy, at Centre for Science and Environment, said: “The stubble burning trend will depend on the effectiveness of enforcement and, more importantly, on-ground preparedness for in-situ residue management and ex-situ absorption of crop waste for industrial purposes.”
Experts believe that the impact of stubble burning on Delhi’s PM2.5 is likely to be more this year.
To add to this, the peak burning period is expected to coincide with Diwali, which is on Nov 8, when winter conditions begin to set in. The temperature of the Pacific Ocean has already increased over 3 degrees Celsius. Besides, Punjab has recorded a rain deficit of over 35% this monsoon, and crop sowing has been delayed.
Experts said this stubble burning season could be complex as the Super El Niño is expected to reduce the number of western disturbances that bring rain that washes away pollutants in the air. Gufran Beig, founder of System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) and chair professor at National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), said: “We are facing a Super El Nino, which is unprecedented for this century. Also, the festive period will be observed in Nov this year, when temperatures start dipping and winds slow down, causing the accumulation of pollutants,” he said.
It will lead to fewer western disturbances, which usually bring rain to Delhi and wash out pollutants for a temporary period. Hence, there will be more intrusion. Harvesting is likely to start from late Oct, and stubble burning may be extended beyond the end of Nov.