Crosslinks conducted multiple sessions of focus group discussions with paddy farmers in Jajpur district to understand their current crop residue management practices, perspectives on stubble burning and their awareness of alternative means for crop residue disposal. The discussions revealed that contrary to popular perception, smallholder farmers are increasingly resorting to stubble burning in the villages of Badchana block. The farmers also expressed limited knowledge of the adverse effects of open field burning and a willingness to adopt more sustainable practices in the future with suitable support.
