Challenges, solutions and policy issues for residue burning in Indian agriculture: searching key steps to reduce environmental pollution

In India, the Indo-Gangetic Plain has become a hotspot for atmospheric pollutants, with seasonal residue burning being a major contributor. The rapid increase in crop productivity with the introduction of high-yield varieties increased the challenge of managing the large quantity of residue generated, which ultimately pushed agriculture towards heavy mechanization. Managing a substantial quantity of leftover material after mechanical harvesting is burdensome, so farmers are choosing easy methods, i.e., in situ residue burning. Statewise analysis in India revealed that Punjab (64%) was the highest contributor, followed by Haryana (11%) and UP (5.7%). The key causes of crop residue burning are mainly labour shortages, rapid mechanization and increased cropping intensity, which adversely affect multiple systems, such as human health, environmental quality, and soil health. Alternative eco-friendly solutions to residue burning, such as energy generation, composting, paper production, soil incorporation, mulching, and biochar production, to increase farmers' income and address employability have been explored in this study. The importance of integrated policy frameworks that prioritize farmer incentives, capacity building, and awareness campaigns has been highlighted. The study underscores the need of synchronised efforts between stakeholders and the adoption of innovative techniques like remote sensing for monitoring the intensity and variability of problem nationwide. This review serves as a roadmap for developing sustainable strategies to curb residue burning and reduce environmental pollution.