Yogi Government's Proactive Stance: Targeting Zero Stubble Burning With Bio-Decomposer Distribution

The Yogi government is actively addressing winter pollution caused by burning crop residues, taking preventive measures against stubble burning incidents. A comprehensive campaign is underway to curb any form of stubble burning, including the distribution of free bio-decomposers among farmers coupled with an awareness drive. The government is also providing agricultural machinery for crop residue management, with a target to distribute 1.7 million bio-decomposers, according to media reports. 

In a presentation to the Chief Secretary on stubble management, the Agriculture Department highlighted a 50 percent grant on single-farm machinery. Currently, 44,363 single-farm machines have been distributed, and approval has been granted for 4,439 machines in 2023-24. Furthermore, 7,621 farms have received support from FPO cooperatives and village panchayats.

Approval has been granted for 296 machines in 2023-24, aiming to surpass the previous year's distribution of 1,322,250 bio-decomposers with a target of 1.7 million for 2023-24. Currently, 166,600 bio-decomposers are in the fulfillment process.

Ensuring collaboration across various departments, coordination at the district level involves officials from sugarcane, basic education, revenue, rural development, panchayati raj, local bodies, police, and transportation. Effective action is being taken through this coordinated effort.

Additionally, strategic efforts are underway to supply stubble to established units based on crop residue at the district or nearby district levels. Task forces are being established at the village, gram panchayat, development block, tehsil, and district levels to address the issue comprehensively.