Chandigarh, September 19: Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday said the state government has approved 15,613 crop residue management (CRM) machines for farmers to help reduce stubble burning and promote sustainable agriculture.
The approvals come out of 16,837 applications received for 42,476 machines across Punjab. Khudian said the government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has prepared an action plan worth ₹500 crore to promote sustainable practices, mitigate environmental damage, and ensure effective management of stubble.
“Farmers of the state applied for 42,476 CRM machines on subsidy. The highest demand was for Super Seeders, with 14,493 applications, followed by 4,265 for RMB Ploughs, 3,844 for Mulchers, 3,771 for Zero Till Drills, and 2,015 for Rakes,” Khudian noted. He added that of the 15,613 approved machines, nearly 9,000 have already been purchased by farmers.
The minister urged farmers to avoid burning paddy stubble, warning of its harmful effects on air quality, soil fertility, and public health. “We call upon our farmers to adopt sustainable practices, including in-situ disposal of stubble, being promoted by the government to safeguard Punjab’s agricultural future,” he said.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department administrative secretary Dr. Basant Garg said the government’s efforts have already yielded results. “Last year, Punjab recorded 10,909 incidents of stubble burning, a 70 percent decline from 36,663 cases in 2023,” Garg said.
He added that the state’s focus remains on farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural development. “The aim is to reduce the burden on farmers and increase productivity by revolutionizing agriculture through mechanization,” Garg remarked.
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