Bhagwant Mann: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has highlighted crop-residue management as an approach that can address stubble burning while also creating economic opportunities for farmers and other stakeholders.
In a recent social media post, AAP Punjab said proper management of paddy stubble can contribute to environmental protection as well as income and employment opportunities in the state. The party attributed these developments to the policies of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government.
Focus on Stubble Management in Punjab: Bhagwant Mann
Stubble management remains a major issue in Punjab ahead of the paddy harvesting season. The state government has been promoting both in-situ and ex-situ management of crop residue as alternatives to open-field burning.
The Agriculture Department has continued to advise farmers to manage paddy residue through scientific methods instead of burning it.
Crop Residue as a Resource
Crop residue can be collected and used for various purposes, including biomass-based energy, compressed biogas, ethanol and pellet production.
The Centre’s 2026 crop-residue management strategy also emphasises strengthening such ex-situ uses and developing stubble supply chains, with the stated objective of converting agricultural residue into a usable resource.
These activities can create opportunities around residue collection, transportation, processing and utilisation, although the scale of income and employment generated depends on local infrastructure and market demand.
Punjab Expands Crop Residue Management Machinery
Punjab is preparing for the 2026 stubble-management season with around 1.25 lakh operational Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, according to recent reporting. The state is also adding new machinery under a ₹600-crore scheme jointly funded by the Centre and state.
The machinery includes equipment used for both in-situ management and collection of crop residue for further utilisation.
