Centre highlights major steps to curb stubble burning, says 90 % reduction achieved in Punjab and Haryana
New Delhi, December 5, 2025 (ANI): The Union Government has undertaken a series of measures to tackle air pollution caused by paddy stubble burning in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other parts of North India, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
The Minister noted that air pollution in NCR stems from multiple sources—vehicular emissions, industrial activity, construction dust, municipal waste burning, biomass burning, and stubble burning. Acknowledging that stubble burning remains a seasonal contributor to deteriorating air quality, he said the Centre has been implementing the Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme since 2018-19.
Under the scheme, farmers receive 50% financial assistance for purchasing crop residue management machinery. Rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, FPOs, SHGs, and Panchayats are provided 80% support to set up Custom Hiring Centres.
Additionally, up to 65% assistance is offered for paddy supply chain projects involving machinery such as high-horsepower tractors, balers, cutters, loaders, and telehandlers.
Between 2018-19 and 2025-26, the Centre has released ₹4,090.84 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi for CRM activities. Over 3.45 lakh machines have been distributed and more than 43,270 Custom Hiring Centres established.
The Central Pollution Control Board is also extending financial aid for pelletisation and torrefaction plants to promote the use of paddy straw. The Ministry of Power's National Mission on the Use of Biomass is encouraging co-firing of biomass pellets in thermal power plants. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas are supporting waste-to-energy projects and advanced biofuel initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana.
Additionally, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instructed states to provide rent-free CRM machinery to small and marginal farmers. Coordinated action in Punjab and Haryana has reportedly resulted in a 90% drop in stubble-burning incidents in 2025 compared to 2022.
The Minister emphasised that these initiatives not only help curb pollution but also create rural employment, enhance farmers’ income, and strengthen India’s energy security.