Economic Approaches in Sustainable Paddy Straw Management in Punjab

In Punjab, with predominant paddy-wheat monoculture, huge quantity of crop residue is generated. Out of 27 mt of paddy residues generated during 2019-20, the surplus residue from paddy (9 mt) with the potential of 3276.57 million KWH energy production (8% to the total state power requirement) could save about Rs. 1690.71 crore of annual state expenses on power. In addition to this, being capable of meeting about 11 per cent of the state’s cumulative nutrient requirement this surplus residue from paddy could save Rs. 561.62 crores (15.05% of government money) spent on chemical fertilisers. In spite of these benefits, paddy crop waste is being disposed of regularly without being recycled. During 2019, only about 51.7 per cent of the total area under paddy crop in the state was managed using different straw management practices. The need of the hour is the efficient utilization of the crop residues by converting this huge amount of waste into wealth as it will go a long way to save the fossil fuels, protect the environment, create additional employment along with addition to the farmers’ income.