Punjab Launches Rs. 500 Crore Plan to Curb Farm Fires

23-Apr-2025 05:15 PM

Chandigarh. In a major step to eliminate stubble burning, the Punjab government has rolled out a Rs. 500 crore action plan focused on promoting the use of Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines and implementing effective paddy straw management strategies. The move aims to reduce air pollution, especially in Delhi and surrounding regions.

Under the plan, CRM machinery will be provided to farmers at subsidized rates. The state’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has invited online applications from farmers interested in availing the subsidy between April 22 and May 12 through the portal AgriMachineryPB.com.

The Agriculture Minister said individual farmers will receive up to 50% subsidy, while farmer groups, cooperatives, and gram panchayats can avail up to 80% subsidy on CRM equipment purchases.

This initiative seeks to encourage farmers to manage crop residue without burning it, potentially creating additional income sources and significantly reducing pollution caused by stubble burning post-paddy harvest.

If successful, it could play a key role in improving air quality in Delhi NCR, which suffers every year due to stubble smoke from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.