Haryana Cabinet Approves Paddy Stubble Management Policy to Eliminate Crop Residue Burning by 2027

The Haryana Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, has given its approval to a paddy stubble management policy. The policy, named "Haryana Ex-Situ Management of Paddy Straw Policy 2023", is directed towards utilizing paddy straw for sustainable energy production and eradicating crop residue burning by 2027.

Post the cabinet meeting, CM Khattar stated that this policy signifies an important step in encouraging efficient utilization of paddy straw while discouraging harmful residue burning. This comprehensive policy aligns with the government's commitment to harness energy from paddy straw and reduce its environmental impact by establishing an end-to-end ecosystem for its use.

Potential Applications of Paddy Straw

According to Khattar, the annual generation of paddy straw has potential applications in electricity generation, biogas production, bio-CNG creation, bio-manure development, biofuel manufacturing and ethanol production. He emphasized on ensuring a consistent supply chain for project sustainability.

Fighting Against Stubble Burning

Despite efforts to control stubble burning during peak harvesting season in Haryana this year, several incidents were reported across districts. Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal issued strict directives against such activities earlier this month. He warned against leniency and urged district authorities to impose fines and take decisive action against those found guilty.

Incentives Under The New Policy

The newly approved policy provides incentives promoting responsible farming practices among farmers while attracting private investment into projects based on paddy straw usage. Projects using it as primary feed material qualify for incentives under the Haryana Bio-energy Policy 2018 along with its amendments which include biomass-based power projects and compressed biogas plants among others.

The new regulations also provide subsidies to farmers and related organizations on agriculture implements and machinery used for paddy straw management. Industries using it as a feed material will receive interest subsidies on term loans, similar to those available for renewable energy projects.

Online Linkage And Incentives For MSMEs

The policy proposes an online linkage system between farmers, industries, gaushalas, dairies and end-users for efficient management of paddy crop residue demand and supply. A district-wise mapping of paddy straw demand will be coordinated with the New and Renewable Energy Department, Haryana. Moreover, the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) will offer financial incentives to businesses adopting biofuels.

In conclusion, Khattar expressed optimism about the expected positive impact of this policy implementation on both environment and economy of Haryana. By reducing crop residue burning instances, air quality is likely to improve along with soil health. Furthermore, new job opportunities are anticipated in the paddy straw sector due to these initiatives.