Chandigarh, Oct 3: Punjab farmers can now manage crop stubble more efficiently from the comfort of their homes, thanks to the new ‘Unnat Kisan’ mobile application. The app maps more than 85,000 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, offering a one-stop platform for booking and monitoring equipment.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian noted, “This app is a step toward modern, scientific, and sustainable agriculture. Farmers can now book machines with a single click, ensuring timely and efficient stubble management.”
Each CRM machine on the platform has been geo-tagged according to the cultivable area, allowing real-time tracking of machine availability and usage. Officials said this transparency is expected to reduce costs, save time, and make crop residue management more scientific and accountable.
To ensure the app reaches all farmers, the Punjab government has deployed over 5,000 Village Level Facilitators (VLFs) and Cluster Officers (COs). These officers will provide on-ground support, assisting with machine bookings, monitoring field activities, and promoting community cooperation among farmers.
A unique feature of the app allows private machine owners to register their equipment, expanding access at the village level. VLFs can also book machines on behalf of farmers, ensuring that no farmer is left without support during critical harvest periods.
The app includes a real-time dashboard to monitor both machines and the activities of field officers. Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, described it as “the foundation of Digital Agriculture in Punjab and a roadmap for future agricultural progress.” He added that the system accelerates problem-solving and optimizes resource utilization across the state.
Minister Khudian emphasized that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the government is committed to combining technology and sustainability. “The ‘Unnat Kisan’ app offers a scientific solution to stubble management while contributing to a cleaner environment,” he said.
The initiative reflects Punjab’s effort to integrate digital tools into farming practices, strengthening efficiency, accountability, and community participation while addressing environmental concerns caused by crop residue burning.
