The Punjab government has introduced a fusion of technology and convenience for farmers that is proving to be historic in the direction of stubble management. The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian, stated that more than 85,000 CRM (Crop Residue Management) machines have now been mapped on the ‘Unnat Kisan’ mobile app. This one-stop platform not only simplifies stubble management but also symbolizes the Punjab government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
The biggest convenience for farmers is that they can now book machines from their mobile phones while sitting at home. Every machine has been geo-tagged according to the cultivable area, which allows for real-time monitoring of machine availability and usage. This transparent system will save farmers time, reduce costs, and make the crop residue management process more scientific.
To strengthen this digital initiative, the Punjab government has deployed more than 5,000 Village Level Facilitators (VLF) and Cluster Officers (COs). These officers will provide on-ground support to farmers and ensure the monitoring of machine booking, usage, and activities. This will ensure that the facility reaches every farmer and also promote community cooperation.
A special feature of this app is that private machine owners can also register their equipment. This will broaden the availability of machines and enable farmers at the village level to cooperate with each other. Furthermore, the Village Facilitators will also be able to book machines on behalf of farmers, ensuring that no farmer is left out of this facility.
The app’s real-time dashboard ensures the transparency and accountability of this entire system. This dashboard tracks machines and monitors the activities of field officers, which speeds up problem-solving and ensures the proper utilization of resources. This digital monitoring system is proving to be extremely beneficial for farmers during the harvest season for stubble management.
Agriculture Minister Shri Gurmeet Singh Khudian said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government’s goal is to make agriculture modern, scientific, and sustainable. The ‘Unnat Kisan’ app is part of this vision, offering a scientific alternative for stubble management and making a significant contribution toward a clean environment. The Administrative Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Basant Garg, also described the app as the foundation of Digital Agriculture in Punjab and a guide for future agricultural progress.
