A Garrett’s Ranking Approach to Identifying Constraints in Sustainable Crop Residue Management in Central Uttar Pradesh

Crop residue burning in the agricultural sector has emerged as a significant environmental and public health concern, contributing to air pollution, climate change, and various health-related issues. This study examines the challenges farmers face in adopting sustainable crop residue management practices (SCRMPs) in the Central region of Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), India, focusing on the districts of Hardoi and Lucknow. The research uses a multi-stage sampling method to collect data from 320 farmers across eight blocks and 32 villages. The study highlights the major constraints in adopting SCRMPs, including labour shortages during peak harvest periods, high labour and machinery costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and inadequate access to modern residue management equipment. Garrett’s Ranking Technique was employed to prioritise the constraints based on farmers’ perceptions, revealing that labour-related challenges and financial barriers are the most significant. The findings suggest that despite awareness of the negative effects of residue burning, farmers face substantial socio-economic and technical barriers to adopting more sustainable practices. The study calls for policy interventions to improve infrastructure, provide financial incentives, and raise awareness to support the widespread adoption of SCRMPs, thereby mitigating the environmental and health impacts of crop residue burning.

⓿ Labor shortages, high costs, and limited equipment hinder sustainable crop residue management in Uttar Pradesh.

⓿ Policy interventions are needed to promote sustainable practices and overcome socio-economic and technical barriers.