Biomass burning from forest regions and agriculture crop residues can emit substantial amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere. An inventory of forest, grassland and agricultural burning is important for studies related to global change. This study provides an account of the agriculture crop residue burning in Punjab during wheat and rice crop growing periods. Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-P6) Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) data during May and October 2005 have been analysed for estimating the extent of burnt areas and thereby greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from crop residue burning. Emission factors available in the literature were integrated with satellite remote sensing data for estimating the emissions. Results suggested that emissions from wheat crop residues in Punjab are relatively low compared to those from paddy fields. It is inferred that incorporation of agricultural residues into the soil in rice–wheat systems is highly sustainable and eco-friendly, rather than burning the crop residues. The potential of satellite remote sensing datasets for burnt area estimation and GHG emissions, is also demonstrated in the study.