Budget delay halts crop residue sops for farmers

Four months after the paddy season ended, thousands of farmers in Karnal district are still waiting for the incentives promised under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme. A budget shortfall in the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has delayed the disbursement of payments.

Stubble burning cases (Aug 15 – Nov 30)

2021: 997 cases

2022: 301 cases

2023: 128 cases

2024: 96 cases (significant reduction)

Under the CRM scheme, farmers using in situ and ex situ methods of stubble management are entitled to Rs 1,000 per acre as an incentive. This year, 21,552 farmers registered 2,34,616.05 acres under the scheme, but after verification by a committee of officials, nambardars and patwaris, only claims for 1,90,963 acres were approved.

In situ management involves incorporating stubble into the soil using CRM machines, while ex situ methods require collecting and supplying stubble for biofuel and fodder production. Farmers allege that despite adopting these methods and significantly reducing stubble burning, the government has delayed their payments.

“Farmers using these methods are not only helping reduce air pollution but also generating employment and improving soil fertility. The government should release the incentives at the earliest,” said Jitender Kumar, a farmer.

Bahadur Singh Mehla, spokesperson of BKU (Sir Chhotu Ram), echoed similar concerns. “On the government’s call, farmers have adopted crop residue management, but no incentives have been given. The payments should be released immediately,” he said.

Officials claim substantial subsidies have been given for stubble management machines, such as straw balers, happy seeders, and super seeders, which have played a crucial role in reducing stubble burning. This year, 837 cases worth Rs 10.69 crore in subsidies were submitted, out of which Rs 6 crore has been disbursed for 720 cases.

Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA), Karnal, Dr Wazir Singh, assured that the department has verified the claims and requested funds. “We have sent a demand for the budget. We will distribute the incentives once we receive it,” he said. However, he noted that some farmers have yet to submit bills for the bales they delivered, which is also causing delays.

He appreciated the farmers’ efforts, highlighting that stubble burning cases in Karnal have significantly dropped — from 997 in 2021 to just 96 in 2024.