Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management Of Crop Residue in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and NCT of Delhi

This scheme was launched in the year 2018-19 by the Government of India, primarily aimed at addressing the critical issue of crop residue management in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Its core objective is to protect the environment from air pollution caused by burning crop residue and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: Promotion Of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management Of Crop Residue
• Launch year: 2018-19
• Scheme Modified: Merged with Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana in 2022
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Central Sector Scheme
• Type of Scheme (Sponsored / Sector Scheme): Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare

Features

Latest News about the scheme

• The Government of India has revised the scheme guidelines to enable efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw.
• Guidelines have been framed to provide one-time financial assistance for the establishment of paddy straw-based pelletisation and torrefaction plants.
• Six paddy straw pelletisation and torrefaction plants have been sanctioned.

Benefits

• Mitigates air pollution caused by crop residue burning.
• Promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
• Supports farmers with machinery purchase subsidies.
• Creates employment opportunities in the agricultural mechanization sector.

Drawback

1. Limited Geographic Scope: The scheme primarily focuses on the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the National Capital Territory of Delhi. 
2. High Initial Investment: While the scheme offers subsidies for machinery purchase, the initial investment in modern agricultural equipment can still be substantial for small-scale farmers. This may deter some farmers from participating in the program.
3. Complex Application Process: Applying for the scheme and meeting the eligibility criteria can be complicated and time-consuming. 
4. Maintenance Costs: Owning and operating modern machinery comes with ongoing maintenance and repair costs. Some farmers may find it challenging to cover these expenses, particularly if they have limited financial resources.
5. Environmental Impact: While the scheme aims to reduce air pollution from crop residue burning, the use of machinery can have its environmental impacts, such as increased fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Dependency on Subsidies: Farmers may become overly dependent on government subsidies for machinery purchase, which could discourage them from exploring alternative, sustainable practices for crop residue management.
7. Resource Allocation: The scheme’s success relies on adequate resource allocation and efficient implementation by government agencies. Inefficient use of resources or bureaucratic delays could hinder its effectiveness.
8. Land Constraints: Farmers with limited land holdings may not have sufficient space for the establishment of custom hiring centers, limiting their ability to participate in the scheme.
9. Long-Term Sustainability: The scheme’s long-term sustainability depends on continued government funding and support. If funding is reduced or withdrawn in the future, it could impact its effectiveness.

Conclusion

The “Promotion Of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management Of Crop Residue” scheme is a commendable initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the critical issue of crop residue management in select states. While the scheme carries several advantages, it also faces certain limitations and challenges that need to be acknowledged. On the positive side, the scheme plays a crucial role in mitigating air pollution caused by crop residue burning, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. It empowers farmers by providing financial assistance for machinery purchases and encourages the adoption of modern agricultural techniques. Moreover, it creates employment opportunities in the agricultural mechanization sector, contributing to rural economic development.