Revealing the Socio-economic Factors Driving Crop Residue Burning Practices Among Farmers in Northern India

This study was conducted in Sangrur district of Punjab and Kaithal district of Haryana due to highest incidence of crop residue burning (CREAMS, IARI 2021). Delhi also was the part of study because of high level of pollutions. This study investigates the economic and Social factors influencing farmers’ choices in managing crop residue, specifically comparing the burning of residue with alternative management practices. The analysis is based on eigen values and variance contributions derived from a principal component analysis of various economic factors. Our findings reveal that social influences and generational traditions play a significant role, with implications for both policy and practice. To address these issues, it is crucial to implement community-based interventions and educational programs that target these social factors.