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The government is offering incentives and subsidies to farmers for managing stubble without burning, promoting environmental protection and soil health.
As the wheat sowing season approaches, many farmers in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are dealing with crop residue by burning stubble in their fields. This practice increases air pollution and harms the environment. To address this, state governments are taking action by imposing heavy fines and offering incentives for farmers to stop burning stubble. The Haryana government, for instance, has introduced the Stubble Incentive Scheme (2024-25) to encourage farmers to manage their crop residue responsibly.
Under the new scheme, farmers who manage stubble without burning it will receive financial support. Specifically, farmers will be given 1,000 rupees per acre of land where they do not burn stubble. The aim of this initiative is to protect soil fertility and improve environmental conditions by reducing stubble burning.
The scheme has seen a positive response from farmers. In Haryana’s Jhajjar district, the number of farmers applying for the Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme has increased more than three times compared to last year. Farmers can apply through the government’s online portal, and if they use methods like in-situ or ex-situ management of paddy residue, they will receive the 1,000 rupee incentive.
In addition to financial support, the government is also offering subsidies on agricultural machinery for agriculture that can help with stubble management. In Karnal district, the Parali Protsahan Yojana (2024-25) is being implemented, which also provides farmers with a 1,000 rupee incentive per acre. Furthermore, farmers are encouraged to apply for machinery subsidies to manage crop residue, with 50% subsidies available on various types of CRM machines, including Super Seeder, Slasher, Hay Rake, and Baler machines.
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The government has increased efforts to prevent stubble burning by keeping a close watch on the situation. Special teams have been set up to monitor stubble-burning activities. So far, three FIRs have been filed in Jhajjar district for illegal stubble burning. The government has also raised fines for farmers who burn stubble. Fines now range from 5,000 rupees for farmers with less than 2 acres of land to 30,000 rupees for farmers with more than 5 acres.
Farmers interested in applying for the Stubble Incentive Scheme and machinery subsidies can register on the official portal, Meri Fasal Mera Byora, by November 30, 2024. By doing so, they can access financial help and subsidies that will aid them in managing stubble in an environmentally friendly way.
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The Haryana government’s efforts to combat stubble burning through the Stubble Incentive Scheme and the provision of subsidies for crop residue management machines are showing positive results. With increased awareness and financial support, more farmers are adopting cleaner and safer methods for managing their crop residue, helping reduce pollution and protect the environment.