Stubble Burning Reduction Plan Targets 150,000 Farmers With Subsidised Machinery And Hiring Centres

Machinery Access For Farmers

Under the Crop Residue Management Scheme, farmers will receive 50% financial assistance to purchase machinery such as Happy Seeders, Super Seeders, and Zero Till Drills. Rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and farmer producer organisations will get 80% support to set up Custom Hiring Centres, ensuring machinery is available to small and marginal farmers. 

In-Situ And Ex-Situ Management

The government is promoting both in-situ management (mulching or incorporating stubble into soil using mechanised tools) and ex-situ management (collecting straw for biomass power generation and biofuel industries). Financial aid covering 65% of costs up to ₹1.5 crore is available for paddy straw supply chain projects. 

Reduction In Stubble Burning

Reports from ICAR show a 57% reduction in stubble burning incidents between 2023 and 2024 in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Satellite monitoring and strict enforcement by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) have further strengthened compliance. 

Environmental And Health Impact

Stubble burning has been a major contributor to Delhi-NCR’s winter air pollution, causing severe health risks. By enabling farmers to adopt sustainable practices, the government aims to reduce farm fires by over 90% in key states, as already reported in recent years. 

Farmer Support Highlights

• 150,000 farmers to access machinery in Punjab, Haryana, UP, and Delhi
• ₹4,237 crore allocated since 2018 for crop residue management
• Over 3.5 lakh machines distributed and 43,000+ Custom Hiring Centres established
• 50% subsidy for farmers, 80% for cooperatives and FPOs
• 57% reduction in stubble burning incidents between 2023 and 2024

Sources: The News Mill, Press Information Bureau, ET Government