Stubble – The Farmer’s Bane explores the severe air pollution crisis in northern India, particularly in Punjab, caused by stubble burning. This 35-minute documentary delves into the deep-rooted issues behind this practice, focusing on a small region in Punjab as a representative case. It captures the struggles of farmers forced to burn crop residue—stubble—due to a tight timeline between harvest and the next planting season. This practice results in toxic smoke that affects air quality, eventually impacting health in cities like Delhi.

The film highlights how stubble burning is a consequence of policies established during the Green Revolution, which promoted non-native crops and led to unsustainable agricultural practices. Government subsidies further entrenched this cycle, leaving farmers with few alternatives.

Two contrasting figures emerge in the narrative: a young farmer experimenting with organic methods and an older farmer with two decades of experience in organic farming. Their stories of innovation, risk, and resilience offer a glimpse into possible solutions, despite the broader systemic challenges. As the film examines their experiences, it poses critical questions about the future of farming in Punjab and the urgent need for sustainable practices to break the cycle of stubble burning and its consequences.