Punjab Govt Launches Crop-Residue Loan Scheme to Check Stubble Burning
Punjab announces CRM Loan Scheme offering up to 80% subsidy on crop-residue machinery to curb stubble burning and boost sustainable farming.
Chandigarh :The Punjab Government on Wednesday announced the launch of an amended Crop Residue Management (CRM) Loan Scheme through cooperative banks to help farmers curb stubble burning and adopt sustainable farming practices.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, unveiling the scheme, said it will “empower farmers with modern equipment while tackling the air-pollution crisis caused by stubble burning.”
According to a government statement, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies (MPCS) will receive 80 per cent subsidy on crop-residue management machinery, with a maximum benefit of ₹24 lakh and only 10 per cent margin money. Individual farmers are eligible for 50 per cent subsidy and must contribute 25 per cent margin money.
The initiative, cleared under the guidance of Financial Commissioner Cooperation Sumer Singh Gurjar and Registrar of Cooperative Societies Girish Dayalan, aims to reduce seasonal air pollution and promote use of crop residue in bio-energy plants.
Officials said the programme will strengthen Punjab’s cooperative movement while supporting the state’s green-energy transition.