Where There’s Smoke, There Was Stubble: Applying Behavioural Insights to Design a Sustainable Solution to the Problem of Stubble Burning in Punjab, India

Through a careful review of stubble burning root causes authors recognise the multidimensional nature of the problem at hand, which can not only be attributed to the malpractice of farmers in Punjab, but also historical and political factors that have led to the creation of a system that inadvertently incentivises the dangerous crop residue management practice. Authors intend to apply a behavioural approach to this problem utilising Installation Theory, Activity Theory, and a Social Network Analysis to structure and inform this discussion. By considering all relevant stakeholders and their interactions, the objective is to design an intervention which addresses the primary pain points in the residue management process. In doing so, authors aim to develop a more sustainable approach to crop residue management, improve the experience of farmers and reduce the ongoing environmental degradation and health crisis resulting from stubble burning in Punjab.