'It takes just a matchstick': Punjab farmers take the cheaper way out to deal with paddy stubble

Mid-afternoon, Upender is busy tossing paddy residue into the fire he started over an acre of land.

Huge, thick clouds of smoke rise into the air and engulf the neighbouring fields before the wind blows them away. After about 15 minutes, the fire is out, leaving only the ash and a question - Have the efforts of the Punjab government to check stubble burning failed?
Asked if stubble burning in Punjab affects Delhi's air quality, he says, "Delhi's air is already polluted. The city government should close down the factories that lead to air pollution."
Karam Singh (45) from Sahnewal Khurd village says, "Twenty-five to 30 quintal of rice is harvested in an acre of land. If the government gives us Rs 200 per quintal, it will take care of everything. The government can also give a subsidy on diesel. Ultimately, everything boils down to cost."