Fund for Stubble Cutting Machines

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi  : To address air pollution and to subsidise machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue, a new Central Sector Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ from 2018-19 to 2019-20 has been launched with a total outgo of the Central funds of Rs 1,151.80 crore.

Under the above stated scheme, financial assistance @50% of the cost is provided to the farmers for purchase of in-situ crop residue management machines on individual ownership basis. The financial assistance for establishment of Custom Hiring Centres of in-situ crop residue management machinery is @ 80% of the project cost.

During 2018-19,  funds amounting to Rs 269.38 crore, Rs 137.84 crore, and Rs 148.60 crore have been released to the Government of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh respectively, for distribution of in-situ crop residue management machinery to the farmers on subsidy, establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) of in-situ crop residue management machinery and undertaking Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities for creating awareness among farmers.  During 2019-20, the funds amounting to Rs 273.80 crore, Rs 192.06 crore, and Rs 105.29 crore have also been released so far to the Government of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, respectively.

This information was given in written reply to a question by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in Lok Sabhaon July 23, 2019, according to a PIB release.