Assessing ecosystem services and environmental benefits of happy seeder technology: evidence from the trans-gangetic plain of India

Crop residue burning is a widespread environmental challenge affecting major agricultural regions worldwide, with India's Trans-Gangetic Plain (TGP) representing one of the most critically impacted areas. The Happy Seeder technology offers a sustainable alternative by facilitating direct seeding without residue burning, thereby improving soil health and reducing emissions. While previous studies have examined agronomic benefits of Happy Seeder, a systematic valuation of its complete ecosystem services remains lacking, particularly in quantifying socio-environmental trade-offs across farmer categories. This study assessed the ecosystem services generated by Happy Seeder adoption. These services were categorized into provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural services using a combination of field surveys, mixed method of data collection, key informant interviews, focused group discussions, biophysical measurements and econometric modelling. A multistage random sampling approach was employed, covering 400 farmers in the TGP, including both adopters and non-adopters. Results indicated that regulating services contribute the highest economic value (INR 13,670 per hectare), driven by air pollution reduction, carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas mitigation. Provisioning services accounted for INR 11,110 per hectare, with significant improvements in wheat yield (+ 9.7%), fuel savings (− 68.7%) and water use efficiency (+ 26.7%). Supporting services, valued at INR 4830 per hectare, enhanced soil microbial activity, nitrogen retention and biodiversity, ensuring long-term soil fertility. Cultural services, estimated at INR 10,330 per hectare, reflected knowledge-sharing, improved farmer well-being and reduced health risks. The Total Economic Valuation (TEV) of ecosystem services from Happy Seeder adoption was estimated INR 35,110 per hectare, demonstrating its potential for sustainable agriculture. These findings underscore the need for expanded policy support, targeted subsidies, enhanced Custom Hiring Centers and integration into carbon credit programmes. The finding of the study provides empirical evidence for policymakers, agronomists, social and environmental scientists to promote conservation agricultural technologies and drive sustainable intensification in India’s wheat-rice systems.