Stubble burning: Farmers to get subsidy on machines

Bathinda, June 20

The state government has initiated the process to extend subsidy to farmers to help them purchase machines/equipment for disposing of paddy stubble in an environment-friendly manner.

The state had last year faced a lot of problems on account of rampant stubble burning by farmers.

As per a release issued here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra said the government had initiated a scheme to facilitate such machines to farmers/group of farmers/cooperative societies for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Farmers can apply for availing of subsidy under the scheme till June 29. They can choose from eight types of machines for the purpose.

They will get 50 per cent subsidy while purchasing it for their personal use while cooperative societies will be extended 80 per cent subsidy for setting up a custom hiring centre.

These centres may purchase machines ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 75 lakh, which may be made available to farmers in the nearby areas on rental fee basis.

Among these machines are happy seeder, zero till drill, super SMS, reversible MB plough, paddy cutter and rotavator.

The Deputy Commissioner said the farmers might apply for purchasing these machines at the Agriculture Department office or their website till June 29.

He, however, clarified that the farmers, who had already availed of subsidy under any of the Agriculture Department scheme in the past two years would not get the subsidy on it. — TNS