Machine, Mobilization or Money: What is most effective in curbing crop residue burning?

Paddy residue burning is an important climate sustainability challenge in Punjab, and despite government efforts to promote alternatives such as machinery for crop residue management, extension services for farmers’ behaviour change, and awareness campaigns, the issue continues to persist. Data show that the level of burning incidents recorded in 2018 and 2022 remained roughly the same (around ~50,000 events), indicating a minimal reduction despite government efforts. Another intervention which has been tested through a randomized evaluation in Punjab is in the form of cash incentives or payments for ecosystem services at INR 800 per acre, which could impose substantial expenses on the government. The relative effectiveness of each of these interventions in isolation or combination is an important question. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (DoAFW) in Punjab, this research project utilizes administrative data on machine distribution, subsidy provision, and expenditure on extension services, to identify gaps in current government policy interventions which aim to reduce burning. This will be supplemented with primary data collection through surveys, with the aim of setting up a future randomized evaluation which compares technological, behavioural, and financial policy interventions targeted towards this issue.