Sustainability in residue management: a review with special reference to Indian agriculture

Burning agricultural waste emerged as a prominent air pollution source that is widely prevalent across the entire Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Northern states. Cereal crops (primarily rice and wheat) in the North and sugarcane residues in other parts of the country contribute majorly to the burning of waste biomass. Massive increase in various harmful gases, including sulfur compounds and particulate matter, from the burning agricultural residues is linked to increasing health conditions, grave diseases and lowering of life expectancy of people affected by this practice. This review outlines the existing strategies followed in managing the agricultural waste residues, primarily in India, their limitations, the sustainable biotechnological interventions for the same and the current state of affairs in the interventions proposed. Innovations in mechanical stubble removal techniques and real-time monitoring aided by artificial intelligence tools will go a long way in curing this practice. Two primary aspects that are being promoted and hold much scope are the sensitization of farmer community and other stakeholders, including policy makers, involved in the production and dissemination of these residues, and establishing a commercial, decentralized market for the residues generated. Generation of value products from stubble will be the most helpful intervention in ensuring a positive action by the farmers. Some of the potential commercial applications include use of crop residues in sustainable architecture, as packing materials for commercial products, for the production of building/roofing materials, conversion to biochar for various applications, for biofuel generation, as substrate in mushroom cultivation and as raw material in the process of fermentation for producing various enzymes and other products of commercial value. Government initiatives and support as well as private partnerships are vital for the success of the endeavors.