Determinants of crop residue burning practices in Punjab

The open burning of agricultural crop residue is a key environmental issue as in situ burning not only produces GHGs which contributes to global warming. It also leads to loss of plant nutrients which have negative effects on soil characteristics and cost money. Considering the earnest need for well-managed CRM system with good potential for resource use efficiency, the present study was conducted in the Punjab state. Results of multinomial logit model used to analyze the factors influencing the adoption of different CRM options[complete burning (CB), partial burning (PB), complete incorporation (CI) and complete removal (CR)]revealed that in comparison to CB,the probability to follow PB increased with better availability of CRM machinery/implements while for CI and CR respondents, it also increased with education and farming experience. With one per cent increase in area under paddy, the likelihood of PB decreased significantly by 1.9 per cent while for CI, with increased education, farming experience and availability of farm implements, it increased by 2.2, 3.7 and 5.1 per cent respectively compared to CB. ROVC per hectare were higher for CI by about Rs 3000andRs 141 for PB than CB. The major constraints in adoption of different CRM methods included technological barriers followed by economic, managerial and marketing problems. Steps like compensation to farmers following non burning practices of crop residue, timely availability of residue management machinery at reduced rates, improving custom hire services and extension services are needed to deal with the residue management.