Punjab Advances Sustainable Agriculture with Massive CRM Machine Initiative
The Punjab government has sanctioned over 15,000 Crop Residue Management machines to combat stubble burning and support sustainable agriculture. With a Rs 500 crore plan under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the state aims to enhance eco-friendly farm practices. Meanwhile, a new initiative aids rehabilitation for flood victims.
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In a decisive move towards sustainable agriculture, the Punjab Government has approved 15,613 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines out of 16,837 applications. This initiative, under the aegis of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, is part of a comprehensive Rs 500 crore action plan spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The plan focuses on effective paddy straw management to curb the environmental damage stemming from stubble burning.
Minister Khudian elaborated that farmers have applied for 42,476 CRM machines, with the Super Seeder machine being the favorite, garnering 14,493 requests. Other popular machines include the RMB Plough, Mulcher, Zero Till Drill, and Rake. Of the machines approved, nearly 9,000 have already reached the farmers. The Minister urged farmers to avoid burning paddy straw, emphasizing the benefits of in-situ crop management techniques promoted by the government.
Dr. Basant Garg, Administrative Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, noted a significant 70% decline in stubble burning incidents last year, with only 10,909 recorded cases. The government remains committed to supporting farmers and sustainable agriculture through mechanization. Concurrently, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched 'Mission Chardikala', a rehabilitation initiative for the flood-affected, with an estimated Rs 13,800 crore in damages highlighted.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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