Surge in Applications for Subsidised Tractors in Punjab Amid Stubble Burning Concerns
Punjab: Farmers’ craze for subsidised tractor goes into overdrive
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Punjab, India, has seen a dramatic increase in applications for subsidised tractors under the crop residue management scheme, with 34,000 applications this year compared to 2,000 last year. This surge, driven by the need to manage paddy residue and combat air pollution, raises concerns about excessive tractor usage in the state's agriculture sector.
- 01Applications for subsidised tractors in Punjab have surged to 34,000 this year from 2,000 last year.
- 02The crop residue management scheme aims to reduce stubble burning, a major contributor to air pollution.
- 03Punjab has nearly 5.5 lakh tractors already in operation, raising concerns about over-tractorisation.
- 04Farmers can receive a subsidy of up to ₹9.6 lakh on tractors costing around ₹12 lakh.
- 05The Union Ministry of Agriculture has allocated ₹576 crore for crop residue management activities in Punjab for the 2026-27 period.
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Punjab, India, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in applications for subsidised tractors under the crop residue management (CRM) scheme, with 34,000 applications received this year compared to just 2,000 last year. This increase is attributed to the need for effective management of paddy residue during the kharif harvest season, which is crucial for addressing the severe air pollution caused by stubble burning. The CRM scheme, launched in 2018, aims to provide alternatives to stubble burning through subsidised machinery. The state already has approximately 5.5 lakh tractors, leading to concerns about over-tractorisation in agriculture. The demand for tractors has risen significantly after the inclusion of 50-horsepower tractors in the subsidy scheme, allowing farmers to receive subsidies of up to ₹9.6 lakh on tractors priced around ₹12 lakh. Agricultural experts warn that Punjab has more tractors than necessary, recommending a ratio of one tractor for every 25 acres of farmland. The Union Ministry of Agriculture has allocated ₹576 crore to Punjab for CRM activities for the 2026-27 period, marking the ninth consecutive year of central support to combat stubble burning. However, officials note that nearly 40% of CRM machines become redundant annually due to their limited operational lifespan.
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The surge in tractor applications is expected to enhance farmers' ability to manage crop residue effectively, potentially reducing air pollution from stubble burning. However, it may also lead to increased tractor density, which could have long-term implications for sustainable agriculture in Punjab.
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