As the persistent issue of stubble burning in Punjab has reached alarming levels, contributing significantly to air pollution and health hazards in the region, Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday convened a crucial meeting to strategize effective measures for managing paddy straw and to educate farmers about sustainable practices. Over the past three years, Punjab has witnessed a noteworthy 52 percent decrease in incidents of paddy straw burning, highlighting the potential for continued progress in addressing this environmental crisis.   The Chief Minister, during the meeting, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive communication campaign aimed at raising awareness among farmers regarding the dangers of stubble burning. He underscored the necessity of informing farmers about available subsidies for straw management equipment, which can significantly reduce the costs associated with managing crop residue. Mann proposed the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) at Panchayats and communal areas to facilitate access to machinery.   Directions were issued to the Deputy Commissioners across the State to initiate vigorous campaigns tailored to their respective districts, promoting the hazards of stubble burning and fostering a collective movement against this harmful practice. He revealed that under the Crop Residue Management scheme for 2024-25, the Punjab Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has already received an impressive 1.07 lakh applications through the Unnat app for subsidies on machinery. This includes a total of 63,904 applications received by June 20, 2024, and an additional portal opening from September 13 to 19, 2024, to meet increasing demand.   Furthermore, the Government aims to distribute 14,000 machines to individual farmers and establish 1,100 Custom Hiring Centres across districts, bolstering farmers access to vital resources.   The launch of the Unnat Kisan mobile application marks a significant step forward, providing a one-stop platform for farmers to easily access Crop Residue Management (CRM) machinery ahead of the 2024 harvesting season. With over 1.30 lakh CRM machines mapped on the app, it facilitates effortless bookings from nearby Custom Hiring Centres.   The Chief Minister proudly noted that the implementation of these initiatives has resulted in a notable decline in fire incidents linked to stubble burning. The state recorded a 30 percent reduction in incidents for the 2022-23 season, with 71,159 fires compared to 76,929 in the previous year. Moreover, preliminary data suggests a 26 percent decrease in fire incidents for the 2023-24 season, with 49,922 reported fires thus far. Collectively, these statistics illustrate a commendable 52 percent reduction in stubble burning incidents since the 2020-21 season.   Through these comprehensive efforts, Mann seeks to transform the battle against stubble burning into a mass movement, ensuring that Punjab moves toward sustainable agricultural practices while safeguarding the environment and public health. As the government gears up for the harvesting season, the focus remains on enhancing farmers knowledge and resources to combat the stubble-burning crisis effectively.

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