Punjab government spends Rs 1,325 crore on crop residue machinery
The state distributed 94,456 machines over four years to reduce stubble burning, according to a report by The Tribune.
The Punjab government has spent Rs 1,325.35 crore on crop residue management (CRM) machinery during the last four years, according to The Tribune.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the state distributed 94,456 machines to farmers to help curb stubble burning. The government claimed that farm fire incidents fell by nearly 90 per cent, from 49,922 in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025.
Khudian stated that farmers have already purchased 22,763 CRM machines for the 2026-27 cycle. This includes a subsidy of nearly Rs 201 crore and represents a 73 per cent increase compared to the 13,147 machines provided last year.
Separately, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) issued notices to five senior officials in Punjab on November 4. The CAQM cited alleged failures in enforcing stubble burning prevention measures following a district-wise review.
The review indicated issues with how farm-fire incidents were monitored and verified on the ground. The notices require explanations from the Deputy Commissioners of Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka and Jalandhar, and the Senior Superintendent of Police in Barnala.
These officials must submit their responses to the CAQM by November 10.