Chandigarh, Aug 3 (IANS): Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has approved a comprehensive plan for crop residue management to the tune of Rs 1,304.95 crore, an official said on Monday.

The aim of the plan is to prevent stubble burning. The Central government provided Rs 170 crore to the state under this plan this year.

Additional Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal said the state has submitted to the Central government an annual action plan of Rs 639.10 crore under the Promotion of Agricultural Mechanization for In-Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme.

The plan entails in-situ and ex-situ management of crop residue, as well as enforcement measures regarding prohibition on stubble burning.

Kaushal said the state has been taking all possible measures for management of paddy straw in-situ (in the field), including distributing equipment for crop residue management, establishing custom hiring centres and establishing dedicated control room at state headquarters.

Besides, an incentive of Rs 100 per quintal is also being provided to non-basmati growers for crop residue management within seven days, under the direction of the Supreme Court.

The state has helped small and marginal farmers growing non-basmati and Muchal variety of basmati by providing machines and Rs 1,000 per acre as operational cost.

For these two purposes, the state has made a provision of Rs 453 crore in the budget.

The state has also encouraged establishment of straw bailer units to promote ex-situ management. Under this initiative, 195 units were established till December 2019.