Authors: Sukhvinder Singh, Vinod Kumar
Abstract: This study investigates the impact of paddy straw management practices on farmers' income and evaluates the determinants of adoption behavior in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The research aims to quantify the current rate of adoption for various straw management methods and analyze the socio-economic factors influencing these decisions. Key variables examined include farm size, annual income, social participation, and the level of technological awareness among farmers. The findings highlight that adopting sustainable paddy straw management practices leads to the highly efficient utilization of crop residue, significant improvements in soil health, and enhanced financial returns through cost reduction and the commercial sale of straw. Despite these benefits, the study identifies several critical barriers to widespread adoption, including the prohibitive cost of required machinery, a lack of awareness regarding long-term benefits, labor shortages, and the absence of reliable market linkages for straw. The insights derived from this research provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, extension agencies, and agricultural institutions operating in the region. By fostering technological adoption and offering targeted support structures, stakeholders can simultaneously improve farmers' economic livelihoods and mitigate the severe environmental impacts associated with crop residue burning.
