Demand for Baler Machines

November 11, 2023

With the Supreme Court addressing the issue of farm fires, Punjab has seen a growing demand for a machine that can help manage stubble off-site, known as ex situ stubble management.

Baler Machines: A Decade of Service

‘Baler’ machines have been in use for over a decade in Punjab, with approximately 2,000 of them currently operating in the state. A substantial number, 1,268, benefit from significant subsidies ranging from 50% to 80% under the Centre’s Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme.

Tackling the Stubble Problem

After the paddy crop is harvested, it leaves behind stubble on the ground, posing a challenge for farmers. Traditionally, farmers resort to burning the stubble, causing severe air pollution. However, more eco-friendly methods are available, such as in situ management using machines like super seeders. Unfortunately, this method makes fields susceptible to insect attacks, leading to the use of toxic insecticides.

The Process of Residue Compression

Balers play a crucial role by compressing agricultural residue into manageable and transportable bales. The process involves cutting the crop residue with a tractor-mounted cutter, followed by arranging the stubble in straight lines using a rake. A tractor-mounted baler machine then compresses the stubble into compact bales using netting. These bales are subsequently transported to factories or dumping sites.

Immediate Field Preparation

In fields where balers are used, farmers can swiftly plough the field and sow the next crop. Most balers in Punjab produce cylindrical or rectangular bales weighing 25-30 kg, although larger machines are also available.

The Shortage of Baler Units

Each baler costs approximately Rs 14.5 lakh without subsidies, with additional costs for the rake and cutter, totaling around Rs 2.5-3 lakh. A single baler can cover 15-20 acres in a day, operating for about 45 days, weather permitting.

Current Baler Availability

Punjab boasts approximately 32 lakh hectares of rice fields. Depending on the number of days they operate, the existing balers can only cover 15-18% of this vast area in the state. Surprisingly, the first two years after their inclusion under CRM (2018 and 2019) saw no units sold, but the subsequent three years witnessed a total of 768 balers sold under subsidy, with another 500 added this year. Currently, around 700 non-subsidized balers are in operation across the state.

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