Chandigarh, April 10: Punjab has been conferred the SKOCH Silver Award 2025 in the Environment category, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to manage crop residue. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated on Friday that the accolade reflects the successful implementation of aggressive management strategies under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
During a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Khudian affirmed that the state has witnessed a dramatic 94 per cent decline in farm fire incidents over the last five years. Data indicates that cases plummeted from 83,002 in the 2020-21 cycle to just 5,114 during the 2025-26 period. The minister declared that this achievement was made possible through a combination of substantial financial backing, real-time monitoring, and the establishment of custom-hiring centers.
The state government has allocated ₹600 crore this year to facilitate the acquisition of 25,000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines. Khudian asserted that farmers, panchayats, and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can access subsidies ranging from 50 to 80 per cent for this equipment. He maintained that approximately 13,000 machines were purchased in the current fiscal year alone, supported by ₹427 crore in released subsidies.
Khudian dedicated the national award to the farming community, stating that the resilience of Punjab’s farmers was the primary driver of this environmental breakthrough. He asserted that the shift away from stubble burning has not only improved regional air quality but also significantly boosted soil health. According to the minister, the agriculture department is currently accepting online applications for further machinery subsidies until April 24, 2026.
