Punjab's Strategic Push Against Stubble Burning | 11 Sep 2024

Source: TOI

Punjab is intensifying efforts to address stubble burning by deploying subsidised crop residue management (CRM) machines and facilitating the import of Baler Machines.

Punjab aims to manage 20 million metric tonnes of paddy residue by expanding both in-situ and ex-situ CRM practices. Last year's stubble burning incidents decreased to 35,000, down from pre-Covid levels.
The state will distribute 22,000 subsidised CRM machines this season, adding to the 130,000 already provided since 2018. Individual farmers receive a 50% subsidy on CRM equipment, while 80% subsidy is available for cooperative societies, Farmer Producer Organizations, and panchayats.
Post-Supreme Court directives in November 2023, the state government enforced strict measures with disciplinary action against police officers and fines for violations.
- The Supreme Court strongly urged Delhi's neighbouring states (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan) to immediately act against stubble burning.
- The Court directed the state governments to stop crop burning immediately, noting that the fight against stubble burning should not be political and should be viewed from the perspectives of public health, ecology and sustainable agriculture.