Every year, the skies over northern India turn a hazy gray as farmers in Punjab set fire to their fields after harvesting rice. This process, known as crop residue burning or stubble burning, helps clear the land quickly for the next crop cycle, but it comes at a significant cost: air pollution. While efforts have been made to curb this practice, the issue persists. But what if the problem is not just about economic constraints or lack of alternatives? What if politics plays a role in whether these fires continue to burn?

For many farmers in Punjab, burning leftover crop stubble is a quick and inexpensive solution. After harvesting rice, they have a short window to prepare fields for the next crop, usually wheat. The alternative methods, such as using machines like the "Happy Seeder," can be costly and time-consuming. Despite government subsidies and fines, burning remains widespread because it allows farmers to save time and money. But the smoke from these fires is a major contributor to air pollution in the region, impacting millions, including the residents of Delhi.


Local politicians often have a significant influence on how strictly laws are enforced in their constituencies. This study asks a critical question: do constituencies represented by farmer-politicians see more crop burning than those led by non-farmer politicians? The idea is that politicians who are farmers or own agricultural land themselves might face a conflict of interest. Enforcing strict anti-burning measures could hurt their own interests or upset their voter base, who are often farmers themselves. As a result, they might be more lenient in enforcing regulations, allowing the practice to continue unchecked.

To explore this idea, the study uses satellite data to track fires and identify areas where crop burning occurs. This data is combined with information about the backgrounds of local politicians, focusing on whether they own agricultural land. By comparing areas represented by farmer-politicians to those with leaders who do not have farming ties, the study aims to determine if a politician’s agricultural interests affect enforcement of anti-burning policies.


The findings suggest a potential conflict of interest. In constituencies where the elected leader is a farmer or landowner, the rates of crop burning tend to be higher. This pattern points to a possible reluctance among these politicians to enforce regulations that could harm their own agricultural activities or those of their community. This leniency might be unintentional, stemming from their close ties to farming communities, or it could be a strategic choice to maintain political support.

Understanding the link between local politics and environmental practices like crop burning can help shape better policies. If farmer-politicians are less likely to enforce burning bans, it suggests that efforts to reduce crop burning need to address the political dynamics as well. This could mean introducing measures that promote transparency and accountability, or even encouraging the involvement of neutral parties in the enforcement process. Addressing the issue from both an economic and political perspective could lead to more effective strategies for improving air quality.

While technology and financial incentives are crucial in offering alternatives to crop burning, they are not enough on their own. To truly tackle this issue, policies must also address the underlying political factors. By holding leaders accountable and ensuring that those in power act in the best interest of their communities’ health and environment, there is potential for real change. The hope is that with a clearer understanding of these dynamics, policymakers can develop strategies that both support farmers and protect the environment.

This research shines a light on the complexities behind a pressing environmental issue, offering a fresh perspective on why some policies fail to deliver the desired results. As Punjab’s farmers prepare for the next planting season, understanding the political roots of crop burning could be the key to clearing the air—literally.