Punjab govt spends Rs 1,325 crore on stubble management machinery

The Punjab government has invested Rs 1,325.35 crore on crop residue management machinery over the past four years to prevent stubble burning, providing 94,456 machines to farmers. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian stated that as a result of these efforts, farm fire incidents have witnessed a 90 percent decline, dropping from 49,922 in 2022 to 5,114 in 2025.

According to the Agriculture Minister, farmers have purchased 22,763 machines so far with a subsidy of about Rs 201 crore for the 2026-27 phase. This number is 73 percent higher compared to the 13,147 machines distributed during the entire previous year.

Giving year-wise details, the Minister stated that in 2022-23, Rs 279.96 crore was given as subsidy for 27,250 machines, and in 2023-24, Rs 168.88 crore for 13,179 machines. Similarly, Rs 259.81 crore was released for 18,117 machines in 2024-25 and Rs 415.7 crore for 13,147 machines in 2025-26.

To ensure access to machinery for small and marginal farmers, 75 percent of the Custom Hiring Centre funds have been reserved for Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This year, 3,247 machines have been given to 846 PACS, while last year 300 societies received 1,262 machines. In addition, Rs 6 crore has been earmarked for bio-decomposers.

Key developments

• Rs 1,325.35 crore spent on stubble management machinery in four years.
• Farm fire cases decreased by 90 percent between 2022 and 2025.
• Farmers purchased 22,763 machines on subsidy for 2026-27.