Promotion Of Agricultural Mechanization For In-Situ Management of Crop Residue

The Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2018 to promote the use of agricultural machinery for in-situ management of crop residue. The core objective of the scheme is to address the problem of crop residue burning, which causes air pollution and environmental degradation. 

Objectives of the Scheme

• To address the problem of crop residue burning which leads to air pollution and environmental degradation.
• To create awareness about the effective utilization and management of crop residues.
• To promote management by farm machinery banks in Custom hiring service centres (CHSCs) to help the small and marginal farmers in crop residue management

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Modified: The scheme was implemented in 2018 and has not been modified since then.
• Scheme Fund Allocated: The government has allocated Rs. 1,151 crore for the scheme.
• Type of Government Scheme: Central Government of India
• Sponsored/Sector Scheme: Sector Scheme

Features

The following are the features of the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme:

Features	Details
Financial assistance	80% for establishing Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHSCs) to Farmer Producer Organizations and Cooperative societies and Panchayats upto Rs. 5 lakhs to be implemented by State governments, Public Sector Undertakings of Government of India and its organizations. (CHSCs are non-transferable)
	50% for procurement of the agricultural machinery and equipment for crop residue management to be implemented by State governments (non-transferable upto five years except in genuine case).
Training	Creating awareness about crop residue management to be implemented by State govt., State Institutions (SAUs). Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Public Sector Undertakings,  Indian Council of Agricultural Research & Central Government institutions.

Latest News about the scheme

As of May 2023, the government has provided subsidies to over 1 million farmers to purchase agricultural machinery for in-situ management of crop residue.

Benefits of ‘Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue’ scheme

The Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme has the following benefits:

• Reduces air pollution caused by crop residue burning
• Improves soil health by enhancing organic content
• Reduces the time and cost of crop residue management
• Increases crop productivity by improving soil health

High Powered Committee (HPC) finalizes and periodically amends the specifications of the crop residue management implements/machines and provides help in the implementation. The scheme applies to farmers who cultivate crops in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, which are the states most affected by crop residue burning. The scheme is implemented by the central government and is available to farmers across the country. However, the scheme guidelines and eligibility criteria may differ from state to state depending on the state government’s policies.

Drawback

While the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme has several benefits, some drawbacks need to be taken into consideration. The following are some of the drawbacks of the scheme:

1. High capital investment: One of the main drawbacks of the scheme is that it requires a high capital investment to purchase agricultural machinery for in-situ management of crop residue.
2. Limited reach: The scheme is currently only available in certain states of India, which limits its reach.
3. Limited awareness: Many farmers in India are not aware of the scheme and its benefits. This is especially true for farmers in remote areas who do not have access to information about the scheme. As a result, they may not be able to take advantage of the scheme even if they are eligible.
4. Lack of infrastructure: Another challenge is the lack of infrastructure to support the use of agricultural machinery for in-situ management of crop residue. This includes the availability of repair and maintenance services, as well as the availability of spare parts. Without adequate infrastructure, farmers may face difficulties in using the machinery effectively.

The Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme is a crucial initiative by the Government of India to reduce air pollution caused by crop residue burning and improve soil health. The scheme provides financial assistance to farmers to purchase agricultural machinery for in-situ management of crop residue, which ultimately leads to increased crop productivity and reduced cost and time for farmers.