Chandigarh, April 10: The national government has recognized Punjab’s environmental initiatives by presenting the state with the SKOCH Silver Award for its crop residue management program. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian declared on Friday that the state’s proactive governance and financial support for modern machinery have successfully turned a seasonal crisis into a nationwide model for sustainability.
Khudian affirmed that the number of fire incidents recorded in the state has reached a record low of 5,114 in the 2025-26 season. He maintained that the sharp decrease from over 83,000 cases five years ago proves that environmental challenges can be overcome with political will and community participation. The minister asserted that the strategy of providing high-percentage subsidies on CRM equipment has been essential in encouraging farmers to adopt sustainable practices.
The Agriculture Minister stated that the department is continuing its momentum by accepting new applications for subsidized machinery through an online portal until late April. He declared that the ₹600 crore budget allocated for this year demonstrates the administration’s long-term commitment to ending the practice of stubble burning. Khudian also noted that the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) played a vital role in coordinating the monitoring efforts that led to this national recognition.
In his closing remarks, Khudian affirmed that the award belongs to every farmer who chose to use equipment instead of fire. He declared that the transition to mechanical residue management has provided a double benefit by preserving the nutrient value of the soil while cleaning the air for the entire region. The minister asserted that the “Punjab Model” now serves as a blueprint for how state governments can effectively address complex ecological issues through direct farmer engagement.
