Crop Residue Management Intensifies as Union Ministers Urge States to Achieve for ‘Mission Zero Burning’

An inter-ministerial meeting was held on October 26, 2024, co-chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav to curb the persistent issue of crop residue burning. This meeting gathered key leaders from the agriculture and environmental sectors, including Agriculture Ministers from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, as well as senior officials from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and other key departments.

State Initiatives and Incentives to Reduce Stubble Burning

During the meeting, state representatives highlighted the initiatives implemented to support farmers in managing paddy stubble without resorting to burning, thus contributing to a significant reduction in crop residue burning incidents. Notably, Haryana has introduced several incentives for farmers, such as Rs1,000 per acre for making bales of crop residue, and an additional Rs500 per metric ton (MT) in areas identified by Indian Oil Corporation Limited for their 2G ethanol plant in Panipat. A common rate of Rs2,500 per MT for paddy straw has also been established, along with transportation support of up to Rs15,000 to assist gaushalas in utilizing paddy straw bales.

Furthermore, under Haryana’s Mera Pani Meri Virasat (MPMV) initiative, a one-time grant of Rs7,000 per acre is available to encourage crop diversification away from paddy. Haryana also provides Rs4,000 per acre to farmers practicing Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). These measures are showing early success, with reports indicating a 35% decrease in burning incidents in Punjab and a 21% reduction in Haryana compared to the same period last year.

Government of India’s Financial and Technological Support

To further tackle stubble burning, the Government of India is funding the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme in Delhi and the National Capital Region. This scheme aims to improve air quality and mitigate pollution caused by burning crop residue. Out of an allocated Rs 600 crore, Rs 275 crore has already been disbursed to states for this purpose. The scheme encourages the adoption of in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management machines, providing financial assistance to farmers, cooperatives, farmers' producer organizations, and panchayats. Additionally, the CRM scheme emphasizes raising awareness through three ICAR ATARIs and 60 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Acknowledging the benefits of bio-decomposer technology, the government is also promoting large-scale demonstrations on farmers’ fields, allowing them to see firsthand the value of using bio-decomposers to decompose straw effectively in situ. This approach is further supported by government provisions to establish commercial projects focusing on paddy straw supply chains, supplying industries involved in biomass power and biofuel generation. The government is offering financial assistance covering up to 65% of machinery costs, with a cap of Rs1.5 crore per unit, to encourage the establishment of a consistent supply chain for paddy straw.

State-Level Action Plans for Effective Implementation

States have developed micro-level action plans to control paddy stubble burning during the upcoming season. With over 3 lakh crop residue management machines already in use, states are being urged to ensure the effective utilization of these machines. Combining the use of bio-decomposer solutions with these machines will be essential for in-situ decomposition of paddy straw.

The states are also planning extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns aimed at increasing farmer awareness about the importance of stubble management. These campaigns will utilize multiple channels, including print and electronic media, social media, Kisan Melas, seminars, and advisories. To further support small landholders, states have been advised to expand the availability of crop residue management machines at lower rental rates through Custom Hiring Centers.

A Holistic Approach to Crop Diversification and Resource Utilization

To make long-term gains, states are encouraged to promote crop diversification, shifting from paddy to more sustainable alternatives. By preventing burning incidents not just of paddy straw but also of other agricultural and industrial waste, the government aims to reduce pollution levels, which have acute impacts in urban areas like Delhi.

Union Ministers Chouhan and Yadav commended the states for their efforts in reducing crop residue burning incidents and urged them to work towards the goal of “Mission Zero Burning,” which aims to eliminate stubble burning entirely through comprehensive state-level action, technological interventions, and community outreach.

माननीय श्री @ChouhanShivraj जी ने आज फसल अवशेष प्रबंधन के मुद्दों पर आयोजित मंत्री स्तरीय अंतर-मंत्रालयी बैठक में सहभागिता की।

बैठक में केंद्रीय पर्यावरण, वन और जलवायु परिवर्तन मंत्री श्री @byadavbjp जी, उत्तरप्रदेश के कृषि मंत्री श्री @spshahibjp जी, हरियाणा के कृषि मंत्री श्री… pic.twitter.com/BXVyvDqOFe
— Office of Shivraj (@OfficeofSSC) October 26, 2024