Punjab has taken another step toward reshaping its agricultural future with the launch of the ‘Unnat Kisan’ mobile app, a platform that allows farmers to manage crop residue in a faster and more efficient way. What was once a difficult and time-consuming task can now be done with a few taps on a smartphone.
Farmers across the state now have access to more than 85,000 crop residue management (CRM) machines that are listed on the app. Each machine has been geo-tagged according to cultivable land, enabling farmers to track availability instantly. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Gurmeet Singh Khudian, explained that this system makes stubble management transparent and scientific, while also cutting down costs and saving valuable time.
The government has also put in place a strong support network to back this digital shift. Over 5,000 Village Level Facilitators and Cluster Officers have been stationed across Punjab to assist farmers. Their role is to help with bookings, oversee the use of machines, and ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach every household in the farming community.
In addition to government-owned machines, private owners have also been encouraged to list their equipment on the app. This widens the pool of resources available and promotes cooperation between farmers within villages. In cases where digital access may be limited, facilitators themselves will handle the bookings, ensuring that no farmer is excluded.
One of the most significant aspects of the platform is its real-time dashboard. The dashboard monitors machine use, tracks the work of field officers, and highlights any issues that may arise. This system ensures accountability and provides quick solutions, especially during the busy harvesting season when stubble management is crucial.
Khudian emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab is determined to make agriculture modern and sustainable. He called the app a major milestone in environmental conservation and a scientific alternative to traditional practices. Administrative Secretary Dr. Basant Garg echoed this sentiment, describing the initiative as the foundation of digital agriculture in Punjab and a model for the future of farming.
