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Bihar Farmers Face Subsidy Freeze Over Stubble Burning
21 Feb
Summary
- 1,807 farmers in Bihar had DBT registrations suspended for stubble burning.
- Subsidies for 1,758 farmers were blocked in 2025 for violating burn advisory.
- Incidents of crop residue burning declined in 2025 compared to 2024.
Bihar has suspended the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) registrations of 1,807 farmers for stubble burning offenses related to the 2025-26 period. The Agriculture Department reported that subsidies and incentives for 1,758 farmers were blocked in 2025 for violating the government's advisory against crop residue burning.
As of the current reporting period, an additional 49 farmers have had their DBT registrations suspended for similar violations. Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) chairperson Devendra Kumar Shukla emphasized the state's blanket ban on stubble burning to combat air pollution and preserve soil fertility. Strict warnings have been issued, indicating that violators will be denied financial assistance and subsidies.
The government is actively promoting awareness campaigns and offering subsidies on farm equipment to discourage stubble burning. Farmers are also encouraged to sell green waste for biomass briquette production. The Bihar Economic Survey (2025-26) noted a decline in crop residue burning incidents in 2025 compared to 2024, with district officials directed to promote combine harvester use and monitor hotspots.
