We’re tackling the problem of stubble burning head-on by creating an ecosystem that empowers farmers, uplifts communities and protects the planet.
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.
Project Parali is a movement that is transforming stubble waste into sustainable products, turning an environmental challenge into an opportunity for innovation.