Chandigarh, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab farmers have procured 21,019 Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines this season, with Super Seeders accounting for the largest share of purchases, as the state government steps up efforts to curb stubble burning.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said the Super Seeder was the most sought-after machine, with 14,274 units procured. Mulchers ranked second with 1,721 units, followed by Hydraulic Reversible MB Ploughs with 1,346 units. Farmers also procured 1,123 Zero Till Drills and 927 Baling Machines. Straw Rakes accounted for another 874 units.
Khuddian attributed the adoption of crop residue management equipment to the state government’s subsidy programme, under which individual farmers receive a 50 per cent subsidy, while Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), cooperative societies and panchayats are eligible for an 80 per cent subsidy.
According to the minister, stubble-burning incidents in Punjab declined from 49,922 in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025, a reduction of nearly 90 per cent. He attributed the decline to the government’s measures, including financial assistance for machinery and awareness campaigns promoting alternatives to burning paddy residue.
The state has earmarked Rs 576 crore for its Crop Residue Management Action Plan for 2026-27, Khuddian said.
He explained that Super Seeders and Zero Till Drills enable farmers to sow wheat directly into fields containing paddy residue, helping save time and conserve soil moisture. Balers and rakes, meanwhile, support the collection and utilisation of straw for purposes such as power generation and animal fodder.
Reaffirming the Bhagwant Mann-led government’s commitment to supporting farmers, Khuddian urged them to make effective use of the available machinery and avoid burning crop residue.
He said protecting the environment was a shared responsibility and called for continued efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices across the state.
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