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The government will distribute 1100 high-HP tractors to farmers, improving stubble management and reducing air pollution from burning.
The government has introduced a new initiative to help farmers in managing crop stubble more efficiently. As part of the scheme, 1100 high-horsepower (HP) tractors will be distributed to farmers across the state, making stubble management faster and easier. This move aims to reduce the issue of burning stubble, which is a major contributor to air pollution, and help the farmers complete this work in minutes.
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According to reports, although the state has around 5 lakh tractors, 60% of them are unsuitable for stubble management machinery like the Happy Seeder and Super Seeder. Most tractors owned by farmers have a horsepower of only 35 to 40 HP, while stubble management equipment requires tractors with at least 50 to 60 HP to function effectively.
To address this gap, the state Agriculture Department is providing high-HP tractors to farmers to operate stubble management equipment like the Happy Seeder and Super Seeder. These machines help farmers manage stubble without the need for burning, reducing air pollution and enhancing soil quality.
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For the first time, the state government is offering these tractors to farmers through self-help groups, panchayats, and cooperatives under the centrally sponsored Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme. Farmers who do not own high-HP tractors can rent them from these groups at a subsidized rate. This makes it easier for small and marginal farmers to access modern stubble management machinery without a significant financial burden.
This tractor distribution scheme is currently available only to farmers in Punjab. The focus is on helping small and financially weak farmers who cannot afford to buy high-HP tractors or rely on smaller tractors that are insufficient for stubble management tasks. The scheme will provide these farmers with the tools they need to manage stubble more effectively, without having to resort to burning.
Tractors with a horsepower of 50 to 60 HP are required to handle stubble management efficiently. Agricultural tools like the Super Seeder and Rotavator, which are crucial for residue management and field ploughing, need powerful tractors to operate. Farmers who use zero-tillage methods are increasingly shifting towards machines like the Happy Seeder, which also demands a higher HP tractor for optimal performance.
The majority of farmers in the state own tractors with a horsepower of 30 to 35 HP, which are not capable of running heavy agricultural equipment like the Happy Seeder or Super Seeder. These machines require at least 60 HP tractors to operate, leaving many farmers unable to perform efficient stubble management. As a result, many farmers resort to burning stubble, which contributes to environmental pollution.
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The Super Seeder is an essential machine for efficient stubble management. It cuts crop residues into small pieces and buries them in the soil, where they decompose and turn into organic manure. This process improves soil fertility and helps retain moisture, enhancing the soil's water-absorbing capacity. In addition to managing stubble, the Super Seeder also sows seeds like wheat or mustard, increasing crop yield and saving time for farmers.
The Happy Seeder is another valuable tool for farmers. It removes crop straw while simultaneously planting seeds. The machine spreads the straw evenly across the field, which helps retain soil moisture and promote healthy seed germination. The decomposed straw then turns into natural fertilizer, further enriching the soil and ensuring better crop growth.
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The government’s initiative to distribute 1100 high-HP tractors to farmers is a significant step towards improving stubble management in the state. By providing these tractors, the government is addressing the challenges farmers face in managing crop residue, reducing the need for burning stubble and enhancing the soil’s health and productivity. This scheme benefits farmers financially, helping to reduce air pollution and also promoting sustainable farming practices.