Economic Analysis of Selected Paddy Straw Management Techniques in Punjab and West Bengal

Paddy straw has an immense economic value in the form of livestock feed, mushroom material, mulching material, etc. Using Zero till drill and Happy Seeder machines are also economical methods for in-situ management of paddy straw but unfortunately burning of paddy straw is the most promising straw disposal method adopted by the farmers of some Indian states including Punjab. On the other hand, paddy straw is used as animal feed and as a fuel source in West Bengal. This study aimed at exploring the most promising alternatives of paddy straw management techniques in economic terms in the two states. The economic analysis was based on the survey of 20 farmers in each state to work out their economics for the selected paddy straw management techniques used by them. The research findings indicated that in Punjab, Happy Seeder technology proved to be the most economical straw management technique while in West Bengal, animal feed and paddy straw mushroom have emerged as the two most economical techniques for straw management. This analysis can serve as the base for promoting these technologies in both the states in an effective manner to reduce pollution and sustain economic development of the farmers.