Punjab Expands CRM Machines to Support Farmers
The Punjab Government has sanctioned 15,613 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines under its subsidy scheme, according to Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian. The decision comes as part of a ₹500 crore action plan aimed at addressing the environmental crisis of stubble burning and promoting sustainable farming practices across the state.
Farmers across Punjab had submitted 16,837 applications requesting a total of 42,476 machines. Out of these, the government has already cleared 15,613 machines for distribution, and nearly 9,000 have been procured by farmers.
Super Seeder Tops Farmer Demand
Minister Khudian revealed that the Super Seeder remains the most sought-after machine. It accounted for 14,493 applications, reflecting its efficiency in managing crop residue while preparing fields for the next sowing.
Other high-demand machines include:
- RMB Plough: 4,265 applications
- Mulcher: 3,844 applications
- Zero Till Drill: 3,771 applications
- Rake: 2,015 applications
The minister emphasized that such equipment helps reduce farmers’ dependency on stubble burning, which causes severe air pollution every winter in North India.
Government’s ₹500 Crore Action Plan
Khudian highlighted that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has prepared a comprehensive ₹500 crore action plan to ensure effective paddy straw management. The plan includes large-scale distribution of CRM machines, subsidies, and awareness campaigns encouraging farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
“The goal is to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and protect public health,” said Khudian. He urged farmers to avoid stubble burning, which not only pollutes the air but also depletes soil fertility over time.
Significant Drop in Stubble Burning Cases
Administrative Secretary Dr. Basant Garg reported that Punjab witnessed a 70% decline in stubble burning incidents last year, marking a major achievement. The number of burning cases dropped to 10,909 in 2024, compared to 36,663 cases in 2023.
He credited this improvement to the government’s proactive measures, including widespread distribution of CRM machinery, farmer subsidies, and awareness drives. “The Mann-led government is revolutionizing agriculture through mechanization, easing the burden on farmers, and enhancing productivity,” Garg added.
Farmers Encouraged to Embrace In-Situ Management
The Agriculture Minister reiterated his appeal to farmers to adopt in-situ crop residue management solutions, which allow stubble to be processed within the field instead of being burnt. This method not only reduces air pollution but also improves soil texture, boosts moisture retention, and lowers fertilizer requirements.
Experts suggest that with continued government support and farmer participation, Punjab could eliminate large-scale stubble burning in the coming years.