Panel B-9: Inclusive Crop Residue Management and Sustainable Agriculture
South Asian governments need to focus on the following key areas:
- Farmer-Centric Policies and Community Engagement: Develop inclusive policies by involving farmers in decision-making and consulting them on specific needs and challenges. Use community platforms, like the Panchayat system, to enhance local ownership and encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.
- Health and Environmental Awareness: Raise health awareness among farmers regarding the impacts of crop residue burning and promote resilient health systems to support communities affected by agricultural practices. Prioritise sustainable farming techniques, such as organic farming, to protect soil health and longevity.
- Training, Resources and Private Sector Linkages: Provide farmers with necessary training, equipment, and technical support to adopt sustainable residue management practices. Facilitate partnerships with the private sector and develop profit models that incentivise private investment in sustainable agriculture.
- Data Sharing, Collaborative Research and Regional Coordination: Encourage joint studies and data-sharing initiatives, both within Pakistan and with regional bodies like South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), to gain insights into crop residue management. Establish collaborative regional monitoring and knowledge exchanges on sustainable practices, technologies and equipment.
- Policy Support and Political Will: Implement robust, long-term policies that address the root issues of crop residue management. Ensure political commitment by advocating for unified action across stakeholders, enabling consistent and effective implementation that supports smog reduction and agricultural sustainability.
