The North News
Chandigarh, September 19
Punjab has approved the distribution of 15,613 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines to farmers in a push to curb paddy stubble burning and promote sustainable agriculture, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said on Friday. The state received 16,837 applications from farmers seeking subsidies for 42,476 machines, with the Super Seeder proving most popular at 14,493 requests. Other equipment in demand includes RMB Ploughs (4,265), Mulchers (3,844), Zero Till Drills (3,771) and Rakes (2,015). Khudian said around 9,000 of the sanctioned machines had already been procured, adding that the government has drafted a ₹500 crore action plan under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to address the environmental impact of stubble burning.
He urged farmers to adopt sustainable methods and avoid burning crop residue, warning of its damaging effects on soil health, air quality and public health.
Administrative Secretary for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Dr Basant Garg said the government’s efforts had led to a 70% drop in stubble burning cases last year, falling from 36,663 incidents in 2023 to 10,909. The state government, he added, is focusing on mechanisation and sustainable practices to ease the burden on farmers while improving productivity.
