CLEAN AIR PUNJAB AND PAU HOST STATEWIDE FARMERS AWARDS CELEBRATING NON-BURNING PRACTICES

CLOSE TO 250 FARMERS HONOURED FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE ACROSS PUNJAB

Face2News/Ludhiana

Clean Air Punjab, in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organised a state-level farmers’ awards ceremony at Pal Auditorium, recognising farmers leading the transition towards non-burning agricultural practices across Punjab.

The event marked the second edition of the Saanjh Punjab Farmers Awards: Saanjh Punjab is a network of progressive farmers and organisations working towards sustainable agriculture in Punjab. It brings together grassroots groups and institutions such as Manav Vikas Sansthan, IPS Foundation, Clean Air Punjab, Kheti Virasat Mission, and etc, continuing a three-year effort to celebrate farmers who are reducing stubble burning and contributing to cleaner air and climate resilience. Following an earlier convening in Amritsar, this edition expanded participation to a broader, statewide platform.

A total of close to 250 farmers from across all districts of Punjab were honoured for their efforts. The awards not only recognised individual leadership but also created a space for peer-to-peer learning, where farmers shared practical experiences, local innovations, and challenges in adopting sustainable practices.

The programme opened with a welcome address by Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, followed by remarks from Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, who also led the awards ceremony alongside senior leadership from Clean Air Punjab and PAU.

Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University, said: “Punjab’s agricultural future depends on sustainable practices. The farmers being recognised today are leading this change on the ground. Their efforts show that productivity and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.”

Dr. Makhan Singh Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU, said: “Farmers learn best from each other. Platforms like these are critical because they enable peer-to-peer exchange of practical knowledge. Recognising farmers who are not burning crop residue helps set a positive example across the agricultural community.”

The event also featured sharing of best practices by PAU experts and partner-led presentations, highlighting scalable and field-tested solutions.

In the closing session, Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Director, Climate Action, Asar, outlined the way forward, emphasising the importance of collective action and farmer-led transitions.
Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Director, Climate State Action, Asar, said: “This initiative is about building a community of practice. When farmers learn from each other, change becomes faster and more sustainable. Recognising non-burning farmers is not just about awards—it is about shifting norms across Punjab.”

The convening reinforced the importance of peer-led learning platforms, continued institutional support, and scaling non-burning practices to address Punjab’s air quality and climate challenges.