Chandigarh, Aug. 21 -- With paddy harvesting in Punjab expected to begin by the last week of September, the state agriculture department has prepared an action plan to strengthen crop residue management and further curb stubble burning.

Under the plan, 22,500 crop residue management machines will be offered to farmers and other eligible beneficiaries at subsidised rates for in-situ and ex-situ management of paddy straw. In-situ management involves chopping, mulching and mixing residue into the soil, while ex-situ management involves removing straw from fields for use elsewhere, including as industrial fuel.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs.576 crore for crop residue management in Punjab this year, with the state focusing on machinery for ma...