The Scheme on ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and NCT of Delhi’ has been extended for the year 2021-22.

We can cite the example of this scheme for crop residue management as an effective solution against stubble burning.

Management of Crop Residues

• In pursuance this, a central sector scheme (100% funded by centre) was launched in 2018 Budget to support the efforts of the governments of Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and the NCT of Delhi to address air pollution.
• It aimed to subsidize the machinery required for in-situ management of crop residue.

Various objectives of the scheme:

• Protecting the environment from air pollution and preventing loss of nutrients and soil micro-organisms caused by burning of crop residue;
• Promoting in-situ management of crop residue by retention and incorporation into the soil through the use of appropriate mechanization inputs and
• Creating awareness among stakeholders for effective utilization and management of crop residue

Outcomes of the scheme

• The residue burning events in 2020 in Punjab, Haryana and UP together have reduced by -30% as compared to 2016.
• In Punjab the reduction is -22.7%, Haryana – 63.8% and UP – 52.01%.

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