Crop residue burning emissions and cleaner alternatives for air quality in India

Open-field burning of crop residues remains a major environmental challenge in India, contributing substantially to air pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adverse human health outcomes. Intensification of agriculture, mechanised harvesting, and narrow sowing windows have increased residue generation while limiting sustainable disposal options. This study quantifies air pollutant and GHG emissions from crop residue burning in India using standardised methodologies and evaluates cleaner alternatives for residue management. National crop production data for the period 2004–2005 to 2021–2022 were used to estimate residue generation, burning fractions, and emissions of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), gaseous pollutants, carbonaceous aerosols, and GHGs. Results indicate that approximately one-quarter of total crop residues are burned annually, with rice and wheat dominating residue generation and emissions. Residue burning contributes significantly to fine particulate matter and exceeds 200 Tg carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually. The analysis further shows that residues currently burned could generate nearly 120 TWh of electricity per year, equivalent to about 10% of India’s present electricity production. A comprehensive review of technological, agronomic, and policy-based mitigation options is presented, and an integrated, region- and residue-specific management framework is proposed.