Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav conduct joint review of stubble management

A high-level inter-ministerial review meeting was held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Environment Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav, to discuss stubble (crop residue) management during the paddy harvesting season. The meeting evaluated data showing declines in stubble-burning incidents in states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, alongside increases in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. Ministers urged state administrations to act on a war footing, ensure the 100% operational status of over 3.54 lakh crop residue management machines distributed by the Centre, activate Custom Hiring Centres, and utilize funds under the Crop Residue Management scheme. The Punjab Government was urged to submit its Utilisation Certificate promptly. Discussions also focused on converting stubble into bio-CNG, manure, electricity, and animal fodder, adopting short-duration paddy varieties, and strengthening ground surveillance during satellite monitoring gaps.