In a major step towards curbing the persistent problem of stubble burning, the Punjab Government has launched a comprehensive Rs 500-crore action plan to promote in-situ crop residue management (CRM). The initiative, spearheaded by the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, aims to bring the number of stubble-burning cases in the state down to zero.
Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced that farmers can now apply online for heavy subsidies on the purchase of CRM machinery from April 22 to May 12 via the official portal [agrimachinerypb.com](http://agrimachinerypb.com). The plan offers a 50 percent subsidy to individual farmers and up to 80 percent to farmer groups, cooperative societies, and Gram Panchayats.
“This subsidy bonanza, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will enable thousands of farmers to switch to eco-friendly crop residue management practices. We are committed to making Punjab pollution-free,” said Minister Khudian.
The subsidized CRM equipment includes a wide range of machines such as Happy Seeders, Super Seeders, Zero Till Drills, Balers, Surface Seeders, Paddy Straw Choppers, and more — all critical for managing paddy straw without resorting to burning.
Administrative Secretary Dr Basant Garg emphasized that the state has already made significant strides in this area. “Last season alone, Punjab distributed 17,600 CRM machines and established 1,331 Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), resulting in a remarkable 70 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents. Only 10,909 fire cases were reported in 2024, compared to 36,663 in 2023,” he noted.
The government’s continued efforts are focused on sustainable agricultural practices, climate resilience, and clean air. This mega plan is expected to build on past success, incentivize adoption of new technology, and protect Punjab’s air and soil from the harmful effects of stubble burning.