2025, Vol. 8, Special Issue 4

author(s)
Sahil Raj, Gulshan Kumar, Mofo Lekhela, Gurshaminder Singh and Saurabh

abstract
Paddy straw burning is a pressing issue in Punjab, especially in Fatehgarh Sahib district. In villages like Khant, Manpur, Kajouli, Kotli, Chhoti Rauni, Bari Rauni, and Kainaur, farmers often resort to burning paddy residue because they have limited alternatives. The high cost of labour and the short window between rice harvesting and wheat sowing leave them with little choice. Unfortunately, this practice leads to severe air pollution, damages soil health, and poses serious health risks for the local communities. This research explores the current state of paddy straw management in these villages, looking at the challenges farmers face and evaluating the effectiveness of government initiatives. We gathered insights through field surveys, farmer interviews, and secondary data analysis. While policies such as subsidies for straw management machines and awareness campaigns exist, their adoption has been inconsistent. Many small and marginal farmers struggle with financial limitations and logistical barriers in accessing these solutions,to tackle these challenges, we recommend a multi-pronged approach that includes better financial incentives for sustainable straw management, setting up community-based biomass processing units, and enforcing stricter regulations against burning. Encouraging in-situ decomposition techniques, like the use of the Pusa decomposer, can be a game changer. More importantly, fostering farmer cooperatives and capacity-building programs can help spread knowledge and drive collective action. In conclusion, while steps have been taken to curb paddy straw burning in Punjab, Fatehgarh Sahib district still faces significant hurdles. Stronger policy implementation, better access to alternative solutions, and greater farmer participation are key to making a lasting impact. This research on paddy straw burning in Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, reveals that while government initiatives like subsidies for straw management machines exist, adoption remains low due to financial and logistical challenges. Field surveys highlight that many farmers still resort to burning due to labor shortages, high costs, and lack of alternative disposal methods. Despite awareness of the negative environmental impacts, limited access to machinery and biomass processing units restricts sustainable practices. Strengthening farmer cooperatives, enforcing policies, and increasing incentives for alternative straw management techniques like mulching and composting are essential for reducing pollution and improving soil health.