As the annual smog season nears, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has publicly backed the demands of local paddy growers. Farmers in the region are currently requesting a cash incentive of Rs 3,000 per acre to assist with the costs of managing paddy stubble, a practice often linked to air pollution when the residue is burned. Mann has indicated his support for this financial assistance in principle, positioning the state government as an advocate for the agricultural sector's economic needs.

Beyond the domestic policy debate regarding stubble management, Mann also addressed the broader issue of regional air quality. He took a critical stance toward Pakistan, suggesting that the neighboring country shares responsibility for the worsening air conditions in the region. By shifting some of the focus to cross-border environmental factors, the Chief Minister’s comments serve to broaden the conversation beyond local farming practices. While the state government is under pressure to mitigate the recurring smog crisis, the administration is balancing these environmental goals with the economic realities faced by Punjab's farmers. The proposed cash incentive is viewed by the government as a potential solution to discourage the burning of crop residue, though the implementation details and funding sources remain central to the ongoing discussion.