SC questions MSP as potential ‘incentive’ for stubble burning, advocates ‘Carrot and Stick’ approach [Video]

The Supreme Court (SC) has raised critical questions about the Minimum Support Price (MSP) acting as an ‘incentive’ for farmers engaging in the burning of crop stubble. Indicating a ‘carrot and stick’ policy, the SC questioned the Punjab government on whether MSP should continue to be provided to farmers involved in stubble burning. The court emphasised the necessity for a balanced approach, asserting that MSP should not serve as a justification for environmentally harmful practices.

While hearing a batch of petitions addressing air quality concerns in Delhi, the SC expressed grave concern over incidents of crop stubble burning, with Punjab ranking high in the frequency of such instances. While hearing a batch of petitions addressing air quality concerns in Delhi, the SC expressed grave concern over incidents of crop stubble burning, with Punjab ranking high in the frequency of such instances. The court unequivocally stated that stubble burning cannot persist, and there must be …