Punjab has seen a significant increase in farm fires this rabi season, with the count surpassing 9,000 incidents as of Friday, reflecting a 24% rise compared to the same period last year. The state reported 57 new cases on the same day, bringing the total to 9,043. Ferozepur district is the worst affected, with 875 incidents recorded, followed by Bathinda and Tarn Taran with 730 and 704 incidents, respectively. Last year, Punjab recorded 7,239 cases during the same timeframe. Experts predict that the number of incidents may continue to rise as farmers begin preparing their fields for the upcoming paddy transplantation season, which officially starts on June 1. Many farmers resort to burning wheat residue as a quick and cost-effective method for clearing fields. In comparison, neighboring Haryana has reported 3,312 farm fire incidents, with Jind district recording the highest at 487 cases. The growing trend of farm fires raises concerns about environmental and health impacts in the region.