Meeting on Crop Residue Management: Significant Reduction in Stubble Burning Cases in Punjab, Haryana, and UP

The Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, along with other ministers, held an inter-ministerial meeting today focused on crop residue management. The meeting included the Agriculture Ministers of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the Delhi government's Environment and Forest Minister, and senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Central Pollution Control Board, along with representatives from the AQI Commission for Delhi and NCR.

Government Incentives for Stubble Management

Ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi outlined their actions to prevent stubble burning and the various initiatives being implemented to support farmers in managing rice straw without burning. The Haryana government minister announced incentives for farmers, including a payment of ₹1,000 per acre for managing residue through crop bundling. Additionally, an extra top-up of ₹500 per metric ton will be provided for clusters identified for the 2G ethanol plant by Indian Oil Corporation Limited in Panipat, along with the standard rate of ₹2,500 per metric ton for rice straw.

₹275 Crore Allocated for Crop Residue Management

Compared to last year, the incidents of stubble burning have decreased by approximately 35% in Punjab and 21% in Haryana this year. Of the total allocation of ₹600 crore, around ₹275 crore has already been released to the states. This initiative promotes the use of in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management machinery through financial assistance for farmers, cooperatives, and farmer producer organizations.

65% Financial Assistance for Machinery Purchase

The scheme focuses on raising awareness about stubble management through various agencies and ICAR-supported institutions, including three Ataris and 60 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). The government provides 65% financial assistance on the capital cost of machinery costing up to ₹1.50 crore, primarily aimed at establishing a strong supply chain for rice straw in the biomass energy production and biofuels sectors.

Utilization of 300,000 Machines for Stubble Management

To effectively control stubble burning in the upcoming season, states have already developed a comprehensive action plan at the micro level. The effective use of over 300,000 machines supplied so far will be ensured. The extensive use of bio-decomposers alongside CRM machines is essential for effective in-situ decomposition of straw. The burning of rice straw, sugarcane waste, and various industrial wastes is increasing pollution levels in the country, particularly in Delhi, where this issue is severely affecting public health. 

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