Farmers applied for over 42K CRM machines to avail subsidy, says Agriculture Minister
Chandigarh, September 19:
To equip the state farmers with the latest Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery, Punjab Government has sanctioned 15,613 CRM machines so far out of 16,837 total applications received for 42,476 machines from farmers across the state, informed S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Punjab.
Sharing details about the CRM scheme, S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian stated that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government drafted a Rs 500 crore action plan for the effective management of paddy straw to promote sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate environmental impacts associated with paddy straw burning.
The Agriculture Minister further informed that the state farmers have applied for 42,476 CRM machines to avail subsidy. Among the list, the Super Seeder has remained the most popular choice, having received 14,493 applications. Other machines in-demand include Zero Till Drill (3,771 applications), RMB Plough (4,265 applications), Mulcher (3,844 applications) and Rake (2,015 applications).
S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian informed that out of 15,613 CRM machines sanctioned, around 9000 machines have already been procured by farmers.
The Agriculture Minister called upon farmers to avoid burning paddy straw, citing its detrimental effects on the environment, air quality, and soil health. He encouraged the adoption of government-promoted sustainable practices, including in-situ management solutions, to safeguard Punjab’s agricultural future and public health.
Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, informed that due to the concerted efforts of the CM Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government, the state had witnessed a significant 70% decline in stubble burning incidents last year (10,909) as compared to year 2023 (36,663). The state government’s focus on farmer welfare and sustainable agricultural growth by revolutionising agriculture through mechanisation to easing the burden on farmers and enhancing productivity, he added.
