To manage paddy stubble, Agri Dept forms supply chain

To address stubble burning and to promote sustainable farming by involving industries, the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department is working on setting up a paddy straw supply chain under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

This initiative aims to encourage farmers to actively participate in managing paddy straw, reducing the environmental pollution caused by its burning. Besides, it attracts industrialists to come forward to purchase straw for using it as bio-fuel in their industries.

As per the officials, it is a Union Government step which focuses on creating an efficient supply chain for the collection, processing and utilisation of paddy straw involving partnerships between farmers, local panchayats and industries. The department has so far received eight applications from farmers. Of them, the department has initiated the process for five farmers.

Under the scheme, 65 per cent of the total cost will be given by the government to farmers, panchayats, societies, groups of farmers, entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, while 25 per cent will be funded by industry. The remaining 10 per cent will be contributed by farmers or their groups, including entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and panchayats. This cost-sharing model is intended to reduce the financial burden on farmers and make sustainable paddy straw management more accessible, said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA).

In addition to helping curb the harmful effects of stubble burning, the initiative also aims to create economic opportunities for farmers by promoting industries that utilise paddy straw for purposes such as biofuel production, paper manufacturing, liquor, IOCL Panipat and others.

He said farmers are encouraged to collaborate with one another to form cooperatives and take advantage of the financial incentives offered by the government. With this, they can contribute to environmental conservation and generate additional income from straw by-products, the DDA maintained.

This step is an initiative under the ex-situ management of stubble under the crop residue management (CRM) scheme, he added. Unlike in-situ management, where straw is buried in the field using machines like happy-seeders and super-seeders, ex-situ management involves processing straw outside the field for use in industries, he added.

He said both in-situ and ex-situ interventions are expected to lead to a substantial reduction in stubble-burning incidents this year. The central subsidy will also support the purchase of machines required for ex-situ management, such as balers and multi-function machines that can cut, collect and bale the straw for industrial use, he said. “It is a part of the government’s efforts to promote eco-friendly agricultural practices, address air quality and soil health concerns, and ensure that the paddy straw supply chain becomes a sustainable solution to stubble burning,” said Dr Singh.