Office of District Public Relations Officer, Sangrur
Sangrur, 16 September 2025 Fact Recorder
Punjab Desk: The paddy harvesting season for the year 2025 has begun. It has often been observed that harvesting with combine machines continues late into the night. Paddy harvested at night remains moist and green. When such paddy reaches the markets for sale, the moisture content exceeds the permissible limit, due to which procurement agencies refuse to purchase it. As a result, heaps of unsold paddy accumulate in the markets.
In view of this, Additional District Magistrate, Sangrur, Amit Bambi, exercising powers conferred under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, has imposed a ban on paddy harvesting with combine harvesters from 7:00 PM to 10:00 AM the following day in the district.
According to the orders, owners of combine harvesters in Sangrur district must also ensure:
Old harvesters are inspected by the manufacturer companies and the Agriculture Department (Chief Agriculture Officer) so that the quality of harvested paddy is not compromised.
Combine harvesters must be fitted with the Super Straw Management System (SMS) in compliance with the Punjab Pollution Control Board guidelines. No harvester without SMS will be allowed to operate.
The order also highlights that burning of dry stubble in fields after harvesting not only causes pollution but also poses fire hazards. Furthermore, old combine harvesters severely affect the quality of paddy and, due to mechanical defects, the proportion of broken grains often exceeds prescribed standards. Consequently, procurement agencies hesitate to buy such paddy. Delay in procurement leads to farmer resentment and poses a threat to law and order.
As per the directive, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Sangrur, all Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Sangrur, and the Chief Agriculture Officer, Sangrur will be responsible for ensuring implementation of this order.
This order will remain in force until 11 November 2025.
