Farmers, every year after paddy harvesting, one major issue resurfaces — stubble burning. It not only pollutes the air but also gradually weakens soil fertility. Now, the government has come up with a strong and practical solution. Along with strict action against stubble burning, farmers are being provided up to 80% subsidy on straw management machinery to encourage eco-friendly practices.
With these machines, farmers can mix crop residue back into the soil and convert it into natural organic manure. This will protect the environment and improve soil health. The government believes this initiative will make farming easier and increase both productivity and profitability in the coming years.
Paddy harvesting is currently in full swing in Bihar and several other states. After harvesting, large quantities of straw remain in the fields, which many farmers burn to clear land quickly. This leads to severe air pollution and destroys essential soil nutrients.
To curb this problem, the Agriculture Department has increased asubsidy rates on straw management machinery, making it easier for farmers to purchase and use these machines instead of burning crop residue.
According to Agriculture Minister Ram Kripal Yadav, almost all major machines used for incorporating straw into the soil have been included under the 80% subsidy category. These include:
Earlier, subsidy rates were lower, but they have now been increased to provide maximum benefit to farmers.
The Agriculture Department states that stubble burning reduces soil fertility. Fire increases soil temperature, killing beneficial microorganisms, earthworms, and organic matter.
In contrast, when straw is mixed into the soil, it works as natural manure, improving soil structure and long-term fertility.
According to government data, mixing one tonne of straw into the soil provides:
This reduces dependence on chemical fertilizers and improves the water-holding capacity of the soil.
Using straw management equipment not only reduces stubble burning but also offers long-term economic benefits. Organic manure and vermicompost prepared from straw improve soil fertility and increase crop yields.
As a result, farmers get better production at lower input costs, leading to higher profits in the next cropping cycle.
The Agriculture Department has appealed to farmers to avoid stubble burning and instead use modern agricultural machinery to convert straw into organic manure.
The government believes this initiative will help protect the environment while making agriculture sustainable, profitable, and future-ready.
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