Uttar Pradesh Launches Subsidy Scheme to Curb Stubble Burning
Source:drishtiias ↗
Why It Matters
Stubble burning is a major environmental and agricultural issue affecting northern India, making state-level policy interventions and subsidies crucial for UPPSC aspirants tracking regional governance and environmental management.
Summary
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a subsidy scheme to curb stubble burning by encouraging farmers to adopt crop residue management techniques and machinery, thereby combating air pollution and protecting soil health in the state.
Key Points
- The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new subsidy scheme aimed at curbing stubble burning across the state.
- The initiative promotes crop residue management (CRM) machinery and alternative practices to improve air quality and soil health.
- It focuses on reducing environmental pollution caused by paddy residue burning during the harvesting season.
Important Terms
Subsidy Scheme to Curb Stubble Burning
An incentive program launched by the UP government offering financial assistance or subsidies on machinery and bio-decomposers to discourage farmers from burning crop residue, reduce air pollution, and protect soil health.
UPSC context
Relevant for UPPSC General Studies Paper-III (Environment, Agriculture, and UP-Specific Governance); tests knowledge of state-level anti-pollution initiatives.
Uttar Pradesh Government
The provincial governing body of Uttar Pradesh, responsible for formulating administrative, financial, and welfare policies, including agricultural interventions and environmental protection schemes.
UPSC context
Important for UPPSC General Studies Paper-V and VI (Uttar Pradesh Specific Governance and Polity); tests policies and administrative measures of the state.
Prelims Trap
The subsidy scheme uniformly provides a 40-50% financial assistance for all categories of crop residue management equipment including Custom Hiring Centres.
Aspirants often assume Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) get the same 40-50% individual subsidy as private machinery, whereas CHCs are incentivized up to 80% to protect small farmers.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the Central and State funding ratio under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme?
- Funding Ratio: The funding share between the Central government and the State government is structured in a 60:40 ratio for effective implementation.
- Central Scheme: The central share is allocated through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) / Crop Residue Management guidelines.
What are the major machinery types promoted under Crop Residue Management (CRM) to prevent stubble burning?
- Seeders: Super Seeder and Happy Seeder allow sowing of wheat without prior burning or clearing of paddy stubble.
- Mulching Gear: Mulchers and Rotavators cut and mix crop residue directly into the soil to enhance organic carbon and soil health.
- CHCs: Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) are promoted with higher subsidies (up to 80%) to rent machinery affordably to small and marginal farmers.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Stubble Burning + PM-KISAN Welfare Linkage
Stubble burning subsidies and PM-KISAN linkage represent a convergence of agricultural welfare, fiscal federalism (60:40 fund sharing), and penal environmental governance under the Air Act.
Satellite Monitoring + District Administration UP
Satellite surveillance for stubble detection bridges high-tech remote sensing applications with decentralized district magistrate enforcement in Uttar Pradesh administrative framework.
UPPSC frequently tests exact funding ratios (60:40 CRM) and environmental compensation fine tiers for stubble burning violations.
Linked PYQs · 1
Linked PYQs · 1
- 2025UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1
With reference to 'Delhi Government's Bio-decomposer and Spray Programme', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Bio-decomposer solution is provided free of cost to farmers to help convert stubble into manure. 2. The Bio-decomposer solution is prepared using a mix of several fungi. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
