Ludhiana district in Punjab, India, has recorded an impressive 96% decline in farm fire incidents this season, with only 21 cases reported by April 28, compared to over 600 during the same period last year. This significant reduction comes as wheat harvesting nears completion, with 99.5% of the 2.44 lakh hectares of cultivated area already harvested. Chief Agriculture Officer Gurdeep Singh attributed the decline to ongoing awareness campaigns that emphasize the environmental and agricultural damage caused by stubble burning, particularly the harm to beneficial soil bacteria necessary for maintaining soil fertility. While some districts in Punjab, such as Fatehgarh Sahib, reported only one incident, others like SBS Nagar recorded 12 cases. To strengthen enforcement, the state has established the Parali Protection Force, which includes officials from various departments. Singh noted that most incidents this year appear to be accidental, which is why no strict punitive measures have been taken so far.