Chandigarh, Oct. 7 -- The super seeder has emerged as the most sought-after machine among Punjab farmers availing subsidies under the Centre-supported crop residue management (CRM) scheme, as the state intensifies efforts to curb paddy stubble burning during the ongoing kharif harvest season.

Of the 18,190 subsidised farm machines provided to farmers so far this season, 12,384 - or nearly two-thirds - are super seeders, making the machine the most popular option under the residue-management programme, officials familiar with the matter said.

The super seeder is considered particularly useful because of its multiple functions. It can chop paddy straw, incorporate the residue into the soil, prepare the field for the next crop, sow wheat a...