Punjab Plans for Rs 350 Crore Subsidy for 20,000 Straw Management Machines Benefiting Farmers

In a significant step towards combating air pollution caused by stubble burning, Punjab's Agriculture Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, announced that the state's agriculture department has devised a comprehensive plan to provide a subsidy of Rs 350 crore on straw management machinery. This move aims to encourage farmers and agricultural cooperatives to adopt advanced technologies that minimize crop residue burning, a major contributor to pollution in northern India.

Under the plan, cooperative societies and other groups will be eligible for an 80% subsidy on straw management machinery, while individual farmers will receive a 50% subsidy. The agriculture department has already submitted the action plan to the central government and requested funds for the current year.

To ensure widespread availability and accessibility, more than 20,000 machines will be offered on subsidy to individual farmers for effective crop residue management. Additionally, the initiative plans to establish 1,000 custom hiring centers across the state.

The subsidy scheme encompasses a range of machinery designed for both in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management. Farmers, cooperative societies, and panchayats can avail themselves of subsidies on equipment such as super seeders, smart seeders, happy seeders, paddy straw choppers, shredders, mulchers, hydraulic reversible mould board ploughs, zero till drills, balers, and rakes.

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Individual farmers will receive a 50% subsidy on the cost of the equipment, while cooperative societies and panchayats will benefit from an 80% subsidy.

Minister Khuddian called upon farmers to embrace this opportunity and utilize the scheme to eliminate crop residue burning cases in the state. Recognizing the need for increased awareness, the agriculture department plans to launch an extensive campaign to educate farmers about the available technologies for effective crop residue management.

Stubble burning, particularly during the kharif season, has been a long-standing issue in Punjab and the wider northern region, exacerbating air pollution and posing health hazards. The Punjab government's proactive approach in providing substantial subsidies for modern machinery demonstrates its commitment to combating the environmental challenges associated with stubble burning.

By incentivizing the adoption of advanced straw management technologies, Punjab aims to significantly reduce air pollution levels, protect public health, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The government's efforts align with the broader national objective of achieving a cleaner and greener India.

The agriculture department has invited interested farmers, cooperative societies, and panchayats to submit their applications for availing subsidies on various crop residue management machinery during the upcoming kharif season of 2023. The deadline for applications is yet to be announced.

With the implementation of this subsidy program and the collaborative efforts of farmers and agricultural organizations, Punjab seeks to pave the way for a more sustainable and environmentally responsible agricultural sector in the region.

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