Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Govt unveils Rs 1,388 crore agriculture plan to tackle stubble burning and water crisis
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 6, 2026: In a major step towards strengthening the state’s agrarian economy, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has finalised an annual action plan worth ₹1,388 crore for the Agriculture Department for the financial year 2026–27.
Sharing details, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian said the plan has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for approval and focuses on key areas such as crop residue management, water conservation, crop diversification, and natural farming.
A major portion of ₹600 crore has been earmarked under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme to address the issue of stubble burning. The government aims to provide both in-situ and ex-situ machinery to farmers at subsidised rates to ensure a long-term solution to farm fires.
To tackle declining groundwater levels, ₹33.33 crore has been allocated under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ initiative to promote efficient irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler technologies. The plan also includes ₹51.85 crore for seed improvement and cotton demonstration projects, along with ₹95 crore under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM) to enhance farm productivity.
In a bid to reduce dependence on water-intensive paddy cultivation, ₹50.30 crore has been set aside for crop diversification, encouraging farmers to shift towards maize, pulses, and oilseeds. Additionally, ₹8.25 crore has been proposed for promoting natural farming, while ₹4.17 crore will support self-reliance in pulses production.
Further allocations include ₹20 crore for soil health and fertility management and ₹60.59 crore for agricultural extension services aimed at better outreach and farmer awareness.
The minister said these initiatives are designed to boost farmers’ income while ensuring long-term environmental sustainability