"Economic Collaboration for overseeing Crop Waste" or "Cooperative Agricultural Waste Handling Strategy"
The Central Sector Scheme of Crop Residue Management (CRM), launched by the Government of India in 2018, is making significant strides in Punjab and Haryana, two states that heavily rely on agriculture. The programme, spearheaded by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, aims to provide a cleaner air and better quality of life to every Indian citizen.
The shared economy principle in CRM is designed to offer cost-effective access to high-cost equipment, such as Happy Seeder (HS) and Smartseeder, which can sow wheat directly over the standing stubble or create a mulch layer in the field. This technology use results in reduced cost of weedicide, better crop yields, and overall reduction in the cost of cultivation for farmers.
The main principle of the shared economy in CRM is efficient resource utilization, aiming to maximize tool usage by centralizing them at the level of 3-4 villages. This approach not only promotes cost-effectiveness but also encourages sustainable farming practices.
The Cleaner Air Better Life Crop Residue Management Programme, a pilot intervention by CII, started in two districts of Punjab and Haryana in 2018-19. Since then, it has expanded to 793 villages and 13 districts in these two agrarian states. The programme leverages farmer cooperative societies that operate tool banks and provide short-term agricultural loans.
The success of the shared economy model in CII intervened areas is largely due to the private sector resources brought under the intervention, in addition to the Central Government Schemes that promote in-situ and ex-situ management in the states. The initiative is being led by a dedicated group of industry leaders named the India CEO Forum for Clean Air.
The goal of the Cleaner Air - Better Life Crop Residue Management Programme is to reduce air pollution by managing agricultural crop residues in sustainable ways that prevent burning and related emissions. It guides implementation through sustainable development practices, stakeholder engagement, and promoting cleaner alternatives to residue burning.
The programme has also led to the development of decentralized rural straw banks and extensive baling in the states, making management, storage, and transportation of crop residues easier. This is particularly beneficial as the increasing demand of straw by industries and power plants has put pressure on the traditional methods of crop residue management.
In conclusion, the Cleaner Air Better Life Crop Residue Management Programme is a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and a cleaner environment in Punjab and Haryana. By expanding the shared economy model and improving the penetration of farm advisory services, the programme is helping farmers adopt cost-effective, sustainable farming practices that benefit both their livelihoods and the environment.
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