This research project examined sustainable agricultural practices in rural Punjab, India, focusing on no-burn farming methods to address severe air quality issues caused by crop residue burning. Conducted by researchers P. P. Krishnapriya and Subhrendu K. Pattanayak, the study analyzed data from 1,021 farming households between 2015 and 2017. It found increased adoption of no-burn techniques—especially mulching—driven by access to machinery and peer learning, particularly among larger farms. The study was published during the 2024–2025 academic year and is part of an ongoing scholarly effort to influence sustainable farming and environmental policy in South Asia. The intended audience includes academic researchers, policy makers, agricultural extension services and international development organizations. Key outcomes include identification of strategies for broader adoption of sustainable practices, such as improving access to equipment, supporting small farms and leveraging social networks among medium-to-large farmers. The research supports efforts to reduce pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plains. READ MORE.
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Photo of rice field near mountain by amal r.