Evaluation of Public Perception About Sustainable Crop Residue Management Practices and Health Effects in Haryana, India

Open burning of agricultural residue adversely impacts climate change, air quality, and public health. Considering this, the current study examines the public and farmer's perceptions about crop residue burning (CRB), including the obstacles to sustainable crop residue management practices and health implications in Haryana, India. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 418 study participants, having 56.1% of respondents as male and 43.4% as female. Results indicate a statistically significant association between CRB, socio-demographic factors, and respiratory issues. The study found that respiratory problems caused by CRB were more severe in the 60 + age group (93.3%) and the < 18 age group (70%). There is a mixed response from males (64%) and females (67.6%) regarding the impact of CRB on respiratory health. The study cites a variety of reasons for not adopting alternative technologies for crop residue management which include high cost (48%), followed by the unavailability of alternative technology (22%) and the belief that alternative technologies are not beneficial for timely clearing crop residues (13%). The minimum compensation required by farmers to avoid CRB varies significantly among respondents, with 45% citing INR 10,000 ($120) per acre as the minimum amount. The study also appraises behavioral and societal aspects of adopting new technologies. It was reported that government schemes have implementation challenges, but recycling crop residues for commercial use has a considerable scope. Considering this, the study also discusses the way ahead in light of the various initiatives the government has taken up for sustainable crop residue management.