Punjab News: The Punjab Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department has unveiled a comprehensive action plan worth Rs 500 crore to address the persistent issue of stubble burning during the 2024 paddy harvesting season. The initiative, aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices, involves the provision of machinery and other necessary measures to farmers across the state.
Punjab Government Announces Rs 500 Crore Action Plan to Curb Stubble Burning
Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian revealed that the department has received an overwhelming response, with 21,511 applications from farmers, cooperative societies, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and panchayats eager to avail subsidies on crop residue management (CRM) machinery for the upcoming kharif season.
A total of 63,697 machines have been requested, highlighting the farmers’ readiness to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Under the scheme, individual farmers can receive a 50% subsidy on the cost of CRM equipment, while cooperative societies, FPOs, and panchayats are eligible for an 80% subsidy, subject to the guidelines of the scheme.
The minister outlined the range of CRM equipment available under the subsidy scheme, including super SMS, super seeder, surface seeder, smart seeder, happy seeder, paddy straw chopper, shredder, mulcher, hydraulic reversible mould board plough, and zero till drill for in-situ management. Additionally, balers and rakes are available for ex-situ management.
Punjab government has provided farmers with approximately 1,30,000 CRM machines
Since 2019, the Punjab government has provided farmers with approximately 1,30,000 CRM machines, underscoring its commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Minister Khudian emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step towards reducing stubble burning and its adverse effects on air quality. The government’s proactive approach aims to support farmers in adopting modern farming techniques that are both economically beneficial and environmentally responsible.
The action plan signifies Punjab’s dedication to addressing agricultural challenges through innovative solutions and ensuring the welfare of its farming community.
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