We’re tackling the problem of stubble burning head-on by creating an ecosystem that empowers farmers, uplifts communities and protects the planet.

What is the Issue of Stubble Burning?

Stubble burning is the widespread practice of setting fire to crop residue, mainly after harvesting rice and wheat, to quickly clear fields for the next sowing. Prevalent in North India, especially Punjab and Haryana, it is driven by the intense pressure of tight cropping cycles, delayed harvests due to water-saving policies, and the lack of affordable alternatives or machinery. For many farmers, especially smallholders, it remains the fastest and most economical option. However, this convenience comes at a steep cost: over 80 million tonnes of residue are burned annually, releasing vast amounts of toxic pollutants like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and PM2.5 into the air. The fallout is severe, evidenced by deteriorating air quality, nutrient-depleted soils, rising health issues, and an estimated economic loss of over $30 billion each year across Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Despite policy measures and growing awareness, stubble burning continues, underscoring the urgent need for scalable, sustainable alternatives and stronger farmer support systems.

Our Approach

Sensitization
  • Creating Awareness
  • Promoting Behavioural Change
  • Driving Local Advocacy
S
Education
  • Knowledge Dissemination
  • Resource Sharing
  • Youth Engagement
S E
Demonstration
  • On-ground Demonstrations
  • Establishing Model Farms
  • Sharing Farmer Success Stories
S E D
Productization
  • Collaborative Platforms
  • Public–Private Partnerships
  • Community-Driven Solutions
S E D En P
Read More

The Solution

Sensitization
Sensitization
  • Creating Awareness
  • Promoting Behavioural Change
  • Driving Local Advocacy
Education
Education
  • Knowledge Dissemination
  • Resource Sharing
  • Youth Engagement
Demonstration
Demonstration
  • On-ground Demonstrations
  • Establishing Model Farms
  • Sharing Farmer Success Stories
Engagement
Engagement
  • Promoting Sustainable Farming & Circular Economies
  • Ensuring Timely Equipment Access
  • Connecting Farmers to Industry Networks
  • Redefining Parali as a Resource
  • Empowering Agri-preneurs & Women Entrepreneurs
Productization
Productization
  • Collaborative Platforms
  • Public–Private Partnerships
  • Community-Driven Solutions
potli

Potli | Hand Bag

20 L x 16 H x 10 B cms

Siyashi

Siyashi | Pen Stand

8 L x 16 H x 8 B cms

Suneheri

Suneheri | Hand Bag

20 L x 16 H x 10 B cms

potli

Potli | Hand Bag

20 L x 16 H x 10 B cms

Siyashi

Siyashi | Pen Stand

8 L x 16 H x 8 B cms

Suneheri

Suneheri | Hand Bag

20 L x 16 H x 10 B cms

Our Impact

Operations across 3 States, 8+ Districts, and ~200 Villages

50,000+ Farmers
reached

2,00,000+ Acres saved from stubble burning

9 Lakh MT of harmful emissions prevented

₹26 Cr saved through improved soil health (NPKS)

Monthly sales from Parali products touching ₹75,000

$1 Million+ in total investments mobilized

Production facility in Jind set up, engaging 45+ women; 30–35 trained and actively involved in manufacturing.

2 MT of parali repurposed into eco-friendly products, with efforts underway to expand usage through new designs and techniques.

20+ product prototypes developed, 50% launched in market—boosting sustainability and local livelihoods.

Stories of
Change

Preeti
Preeti
Preeti
Preeti

Preeti

Preeti, always passionate about learning, had to stop her education after the 10th due to financial constraints. While others in her village worked as laborers, she yearned for something more creative. Through her aunt, she discovered the Parali Project and joined the training center—free of cost. Initially unsure, Preeti slowly built confidence and mastered weaving, braiding, and sewing. Her curiosity led her to explore new product ideas online, and her unique designs soon stood out. From doubt to pride, her family became her biggest cheerleaders. Today, Preeti dreams of building a livelihood from her craft and empowering others in her village.

Preeti

Age : 20

Location : Jind, Haryana

Komal
Komal
Komal
Komal

Komal

With her husband working as a driver, Komal wanted to support her family financially but lacked the right opportunity. Curious yet unsure about working with parali (paddy straw), she joined the Training Centre and steadily picked up weaving and braiding skills. Despite the distance from her village, she remained committed. Over time, Komal grew from a hesitant learner to a confident artisan, earning her family’s support and inspiring others at the center. Along with technical skills, she developed communication, market awareness, and a business mindset—moving closer to financial independence.

Komal

Age : 28

Location : Jind, Haryana

Komal
Komal
Komal
Komal

Know more about our change makers

Savita

How Savita found a new livelihood with Project Parali.

Kuntal Devi

Kuntal Devi learns skills that transform lives and homes

Madhuri

How the Project Parali empowers Madhuri to dream big.

Kuntal Devi

Kuntal Devi learns skills that transform lives and homes

COLLABORATE
CO-CREATE
CONTRIBUTE

Our Team

Vijay Singh

Vijay Singh

Advisor

Ritwik Bahuguna

Ritwik Bahuguna

Founder, Roots Foundation

Ridhima Bahuguna

Ridhima Bahuguna

Co-Founder, Roots Foundation

Bhoop Singh

Bhoop Singh

Program Manager

Trapti Moonat

Trapti Moonat

Head – Programs & Partnerships

Adwait Nautiyal

Adwait Nautiyal

Head - Marketing and Design

Nischay Soni

Nischay Soni

Product Design

Gaurav Khatri

Gaurav Khatri

Product Design

News

  • Fatehabad leads way in crop residue management

    Fatehabad leads way in crop residue management

    • 25 Apr 2025
    Read More
  • Roots Foundation sensitises Punjab, Haryana farmers on stubble burning

    Roots Foundation sensitises Punjab, Haryana farmers on stubble burning

    • 25 Apr 2025
    Read More
  • Farmer Outreach – Village Kalwa, Haryana

    Farmer Outreach – Village Kalwa, Haryana

    • 25 Apr 2025
    Read More
  • Turning stubble into solution: The road to sustainable farming in India

    Turning stubble into solution: The road to sustainable farming in India

    • 24 Apr 2025
    Read More

Partners

Roots Foundation FDI Farlense Natwest PNB Metlife KKBMS
Project Parali

Project Parali is a movement that is transforming stubble waste into sustainable products, turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation.

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