Punjab to Distribute 24,000 Subsidized Crop Residue Machines to Combat Stubble Burning

In a significant move to combat the recurring issue of paddy straw burning and enhance crop residue management this harvest season, the Punjab Agriculture Department has announced its plan to distribute over 24,000 crop residue management (CRM) machines to farmers across the state at subsidized rates.

On Wednesday, Punjab's Agriculture Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, delivered encouraging news. He emphasized that the department had received a remarkable 1.58 lakh applications from enthusiastic farmers in pursuit of subsidies for CRM machinery. Additionally, he revealed that sanction letters for the chosen recipients had been promptly issued via an online platform.

Additionally, he said that a wide array of CRM machines would be offered by the department that would include Super SMS, Happy Seeder, Paddy Straw Chopper, Mulcher, Smart Seeder, Super Seeder, Crop Reaper, Zero Till Drill, Surface Seeder, Shrub Master/Rotary Slasher, Baler, Reversible MB Plough for In-situ, and Straw Rake for Ex-situ management of paddy residue.

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Highlighting the positive impact of CRM machines, Khudian said that the state saw a significant 30% decrease in stubble-burning incidents last year. The government has also marked a substantial fund of Rs 350 crore to combat crop residue burning in the current year.

The Agriculture Minister emphasized on the department's additional initiatives, highlighting their dedication to setting up custom hiring centers (CHCs) in every block. He said that the CHCs will function as convenient hubs for small and marginalized farmers to access CRM machines. The government is generously offering an 80% subsidy to facilitate the establishment of these centers and a 50% subsidy to individual farmers for CRM machine purchases.

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Khudian offered reassurance that the government continues to take proactive measures to combat stubble burning. They have initiated a comprehensive information, education, and communication campaign aimed at educating and training farmers on the various technologies available for efficient crop residue management.

He said, that through these concerted efforts, Punjab stands on the brink of experiencing a substantial decline in paddy straw burning incidents. This not only equips farmers with the necessary resources for responsible and sustainable crop residue management but also brings positive impacts to both the agricultural sector and the environment.

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