Reasons and awareness levels of farmers on residue burning in Indo-Gangetic Plain of India : An exploratory research

Abstract

The study examines reasons for the burning of crop residue, awareness of the impact of the burning of crop residue and government approaches to mitigating the burning. Data from 180 farmers from three districts of the state of Haryana was sought. Rank Based Quotient method was used to identify reasons. At the same time, awareness was assessed by direct questioning. The study concludes that the short window time between paddy harvesting and showing wheat was a primary reason for stubble burning. Research also shows that harvesting is expensive and time-consuming, causing farmers to burn. Most farmers were aware of the various adverse effects of burning on soil health (73.89%), air health (100%), and human health (81.66%). Everybody was aware of the ban on crop residue burning and other government measures, but they have no other viable options other than burning. Policymakers, therefore, must focus on feasible options that are acceptable in farmers' socio-economic conditions.