The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) is an essential initiative in the fight against stubble burning, a common practice among farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Stubble burning, often carried out to clear fields quickly after the rice harvest, causes severe air pollution, especially during the winter months, leading to smog and health hazards. SMAM addresses this issue by providing farmers with access to modern machinery that helps manage crop residue efficiently without the need for burning. Machines like the Happy Seeder, Super Straw Management System, and Paddy Straw Chopper allow farmers to chop and incorporate stubble into the soil or sow the next crop without removing the residue, thus reducing the need for burning.
By offering financial assistance and subsidies, SMAM helps farmers, especially small and marginal ones, acquire these machines or access them through Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs) at affordable rates. These centers allow farmers to rent the equipment they need without the high upfront costs, making it easier to adopt sustainable farming practices. Through these efforts, SMAM provides an eco-friendly alternative to stubble burning, improving soil health, reducing air pollution, and fostering more sustainable agricultural practices across the country.
The initiative, though still facing challenges in widespread adoption, holds the potential to significantly reduce the environmental and health impacts of stubble burning, benefiting both farmers and the broader community.
