Crop burning emissions rose 75% from 2011-2020, finds IISER study

The study pinpointed Punjab as the highest emitter, with 27 per cent of its cultivated area burned in 2020, followed closely by Madhya Pradesh during the same period

Just before the onset of peak stubble burning season in North India, a new study by the Bhopal-based Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) reveals a significant 75 per cent increase in greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from agricultural residue burning across India from 2011 to 2020.

Punjab emerged as the leading emitter, with 27 per cent of its cultivated area subjected to burning in 2020. It was closely followed by Madhya Pradesh, which accounted for 30 per cent of India's total burned area in the same year.

Although efforts by the Centre and state