Famers’ Perspective Regarding Crop Residue Burning in District Narowal, Punjab

Crop residue burning (CRB) has become an intractable problem in Punjab, producing severe challenges in the form of smog, soil degradation and bad public health problems.The government has introduced strict measures to control it, but the problem is still not solved, as evidenced by the blazes in the fields during the post-rice harvest season.This study endeavored to have a comprehensive analysis about farmers' awareness, knowledge and behaviour toward sustainable crop residue management and government policies.The study was conducted in tehsil Shakargarh of district Narowal.Data were collected from 140 respondents using a validated questionnaire.Results revealed that farmers were highly aware of the most of the hazardous impacts of stubble burning i.e. bad impact on human health (x̅ =3.8), cause of smog (x̅ =3.69) but limited awareness was observed regarding impact on climate (x̅ =3.14), soil health (x̅ =3.11) and water sources (x̅ =2.8).Regarding sustainable uses of rice residues, farmers were highly aware of its usage as animal fodder (x̅ =3.96) and mulching (x̅ =3.59).While farmers were not familiar with its usage for biogas and biochar production and in mushroom farming, due to their not inclusion in government schemes or extension agendas.Regarding familiarity with government policies, farmers showed high awareness of punitive measures i.e. penalties and legal actions imposed by government but limited awareness is shown regarding alternative plans provided, extension services and financial supports.Furthermore, they have no idea about any market place to established by government for crop residue.Overall results recommend for a comprehensive extension and outreach campaign to educate and train farmers regarding sustainable uses of crop residue to not only avoid harming environment but also enhancing their combine income.Further, there is need to provide farmers with viable solutions and financial support to adopt sustainable alternatives.