Indian Govt Invests Over ₹3,300 Cr in Crop Residue Management, Focuses on Providing Subsidized Machinery

In a bid to curb air pollution caused by stubble burning, the Indian government has invested over ₹3,300 crore since 2018-19. This initiative focuses on providing subsidized machinery and promoting sustainable practices for managing crop residue in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi NCT.

Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Arjun Munda, recently disclosed in the Rajya Sabha that ₹1,531 crore has been disbursed to Punjab, ₹1,006 crore to Haryana, ₹713 crore to Uttar Pradesh, and ₹6 crore to Delhi NCT. Additionally, ₹75 crores have been allocated to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and other institutes for research and development in this area.

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This scheme has already resulted in the distribution of more than 2.95 lakh machines across the target states, with over 1.37 lakh reaching Punjab alone. These machines, ranging from super straw management systems to bio-decomposers, enable farmers to manage crop residue effectively without resorting to burning.

The government recognizes the limitations faced by individual farmers and offers financial assistance. Farmers receive 50% of the machinery cost, while rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and panchayats establishing custom hiring centers get an even higher subsidy of 80%.

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Minister Munda also highlighted the efforts to promote ex-situ management through pilot projects. These projects establish a straw supply chain connecting farmers and industries that utilize paddy straw, creating a win-win situation for both parties. The government provides 65% financial assistance for machinery capital costs up to ₹1.5 crore under the bilateral agreement for pilot projects on efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw, therefore encouraging industries to contribute and participate in the solution.

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