Crop Residue Management Alternatives in South Western Punjab- An Economic Analysis

Abstract:

Considering the earnest need for well managed CRM system with good potential of resource use, the present

study was carried out for economic evaluation of CRM alternatives in South-Western Punjab. Primary data were

collected for the year 2020-21 from 120 farmers using pre-tested schedule through personal interview method.

The annual agricultural residue production was 40807.88 quintals (Qtls) with average being 14.66 Qtls per acre.

Complete burning (CB) was the major residue management method (RMM) followed in case of paddy (basmati

and non-basmati) while complete removal (CR) was main RMM for cotton, wheat, mustard and guar. ROVC per

acre was higher by about ` 1200 for complete incorporation (CI) and by ` 56 for partial burning (PB) than CB for

wheat sown after paddy and was ` 1500 for CI of basmati residue. Among cotton RMMs, the ROVC was more

for CI than CR by ` 1500 per acre. Steps like compensation to farmers by integrating the cost of RM in the MSP,

assured availability of RM machinery at reduced rates, improved custom hire services and extension services are

needed to deal with the state’s practice of stubble burning.