Paddy Straw Management: Perception and Challenges of Paddy Growing Farmers

High quantum of crop residue, i.e., paddy straw in Punjab is attributed by increased levels of productivity of paddy crop. Paddy straw is often burnt by the farmers which does not only results in environmental degradation, health issues etc. but have adverse effect on soil fertility also. To manage this residue effectively is a serious challenge, thus highlights the importance of paddy straw management. A study was conducted in district Ludhiana of Punjab to assess the perception of farmers and challenges faced by them towards paddy straw management. The study was undertaken in Ludhiana district as it is second largest producer of paddy in Punjab and data from sample of 200 farmers was collected using a structured questionnaire with a five-pointlikert scale and analysis was done using statistical analysis. The study revealed that most of the farmers were aware about worth of paddy straw, environmental impacts of burning straw, government's policies regarding paddy straw management and utilization. Important source of information for farmers was found to be cooperative societies and social media. Technical solutions were majorly categorized into: On-farm (in-situ,) among which farmers were found to be aware mainly about straw chopper, super SMS, happy seeder, etc. and Off-farm (ex-situ), among which very little awareness was found among farmers for techniques like power generation, cardboard making. Only a few farmers were found to have used alternative management techniques esp. mulching, zero tillage, happy seeder, etc. and found these methods effective. The main problem faced by farmers during management of paddy straw was found as cost, time, handling, supply chain discontinuities, lack of knowledge and guidance regarding management techniques.