What is the common examiner trap about Environment in UPSC exams?

The trap will be to confuse 'partial burning' with 'complete burning'. The study says 63% moved away from *complete* burning, but 31% still do *partial* burning. An examiner may ask: 'What percentage of farmers have completely stopped burning?' – the answer is not 63% (that's moved away from complete, but many still partially burn). Also, confusing the study's recommended strategy (BCC) with the current one (IEC).

What should UPSC aspirants remember about Environment for Prelims?

1. Target this Data: 31% farmers partially burn, 6% completely burn, 86% unaware of Unnat Kisan app, 78% unaware of CRM training schedules. 2. Target this Nodal Body: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) – a non-profit policy research institution. 3. Target this Recommendation: Shift from IEC (Information, Education, Communication) to BCC (Behaviour Change Communication) strategy.

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CEEW Study: 31% Farmers Partially Burn Stubble; Behaviour Change Strategy Needed

Q: Which institution conducted the study titled 'Behaviour Change Approaches to Tackle Stubble Burning at Scale'?

Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), The article explicitly states the study was conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a non-profit policy research institution. ISRO conducted a separate 2025 study on satellite detection limitations, but is not the author of this specific study.

Q: Consider the following statements regarding the CEEW study on stubble burning: 1. 63% of surveyed farmers have completely stopped burning crop residue. 2. 31% of surveyed farmers continue to partially burn their fields. 3. Among farmers who still burn, 67% cited pest attack prevention as a key reason. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Both 2 and 3, Statement 1 is incorrect. The study says 63% moved away from *complete* burning, but this includes those who still partially burn (31%). Only 6% still do complete burning. Statement 2 is correct: 31% partially burn. Statement 3 is correct: 67% of those who still burn (partially or completely) cite pest attack prevention.

Q: According to the CEEW study, what percentage of surveyed farmers were unaware of the Punjab government's Unnat Kisan app?

86%, The study found that 86% of surveyed farmers had never heard of the Unnat Kisan app, which is meant to support machinery rentals. This indicates a significant gap in promoting digital public infrastructure linked to CRM adoption. 78% were unaware of CRM training schedules, which is a different data point.

Q: What is the primary strategic shift recommended by the CEEW study to tackle stubble burning more effectively?

Shifting from generic IEC to a targeted Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy, The study explicitly recommends building on existing IEC activities but shifting towards a dedicated 'Behaviour Change Communication' strategy. This involves treating farmers as distinct groups (e.g., partial burners) and using targeted messaging, peer testimonials, and technical reassurance to address specific fears like pest attacks and machine reliability.

Environment Agriculture PolityHIGH

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link

17 Jun 2026

~2 min

Source: Indian Express

Key Data:31% partial burning6% complete burning86% unaware of Unnat Kisan app78% unaware of CRM training67% cite pest attack57% never witnessed pest attack

Bodies:CEEWISROPunjab Government

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~2 min · Quick mode

What This Article Covers

1.CEEW study on stubble burning in Punjab shows 63% farmers moved away from complete burning, but 31% still partially burn residue, and 6% continue complete burning.

2.67% of farmers who still burn cite pest attack prevention as a key reason, yet 57% of them have never personally witnessed increased pest attacks, indicating influence of peer narratives.

3.The study recommends shifting from generic IEC to a Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy with district-specific messaging and targeted technical reassurance for 'partial burners'.

The Big Picture

Prelims · HighMains · Medium

A CEEW study reveals that despite a decline in complete stubble burning, 31% of surveyed Punjab farmers still practice 'partial burning' due to pest attack fears and lack of trust in alternatives. The study calls for a targeted Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy instead of generic IEC campaigns to achieve a complete shift to no-burn practices.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Study TitleBehaviour Change Approaches to Tackle Stubble Burning at Scale: Reimagining Crop Residue Management

Conducting BodyCouncil on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Survey Sample102 farmers across Punjab (Sangrur, Ludhiana, Amritsar)

Farmers practicing partial burning31% (1 in 3)

Farmers still doing complete burning6%

Farmers unaware of Unnat Kisan app86%

Farmers unaware of CRM training schedules78%

Contribution to Delhi's PM2.5 (Oct-Nov)30-35%

1-Minute Revision

›Study Title: Behaviour Change Approaches to Tackle Stubble Burning at Scale: Reimagining Crop Residue Management
›Conducting Body: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
›Target this Data: 31% farmers partially burn, 6% completely burn, 86% unaware of Unnat Kisan app, 78% unaware of CRM training schedules.
›Target this Nodal Body: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) – a non-profit policy research institution.
›Target this Recommendation: Shift from IEC (Information, Education, Communication) to BCC (Behaviour Change Communication) strategy.

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News Snapshot

🔥

Partial Burning: The New Challenge

31% of surveyed Punjab farmers partially burn stubble even after using Crop Residue Management (CRM) machines, driven by pest attack fears and lack of confidence in alternatives.

📉

Declining Fire Counts – A Misleading Metric?

Reported farm-fire incidents have declined since 2022, but satellite detection limitations and changing burn timings mean lower counts may not reflect actual adoption of no-burn practices.

📢

Need for Behaviour Change Communication

The study recommends replacing generic IEC with a targeted BCC strategy, treating farmers as distinct groups (e.g., partial burners, new adopters) with district-specific messaging.

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Stubble burning in Northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, UP) is a major contributor to Delhi-NCR's severe winter air pollution, accounting for 30-35% of PM2.5 during October-November. Despite government efforts like CRM machinery subsidies, the practice persists. This CEEW study (2026) provides ground-level insights into farmer behaviour.

Core Analysis & Implications

The study's key finding is the phenomenon of 'partial burning' – farmers use CRM machines but still burn residual stubble, negating pollution control benefits. This is driven by psychological factors: 67% cite pest attack fears, but 57% have never witnessed such attacks, showing the power of hearsay. The 86% unawareness of the Unnat Kisan app highlights a major gap in digital public infrastructure promotion. The low effectiveness of training (73% lecture-based) further weakens adoption.

Future Outlook / Way Forward

The study's recommendation for a Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy is crucial. It suggests segmenting farmers into categories (never used, new users, regular users, partial burners) and tailoring messages. For partial burners, technical reassurance and peer testimonials are key. District-specific communication (low/medium/high burn villages) and aligning messaging with the pre-harvest decision window (August-September) can improve effectiveness. The shift from generic IEC to BCC is a significant policy lesson.

Key Facts at a Glance

Study TitleBehaviour Change Approaches to Tackle Stubble Burning at Scale: Reimagining Crop Residue Management

Conducting BodyCouncil on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

Survey Sample102 farmers across Punjab (Sangrur, Ludhiana, Amritsar)

Farmers practicing partial burning31% (1 in 3)

Farmers still doing complete burning6%

Farmers unaware of Unnat Kisan app86%

Farmers unaware of CRM training schedules78%

Contribution to Delhi's PM2.5 (Oct-Nov)30-35%

You've read the full analysis. Now test your understanding.

Practice exam-style questions based on this article.

Q1Static LinkageEasyUPSC, SSC, Banking, State PSC

Which institution conducted the study titled 'Behaviour Change Approaches to Tackle Stubble Burning at Scale'?

Q2Statement-basedHardUPSC, SSC

Consider the following statements regarding the CEEW study on stubble burning:

1. 63% of surveyed farmers have completely stopped burning crop residue.

2. 31% of surveyed farmers continue to partially burn their fields.

3. Among farmers who still burn, 67% cited pest attack prevention as a key reason.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMediumUPSC, Banking, SSC, State PSC

According to the CEEW study, what percentage of surveyed farmers were unaware of the Punjab government's Unnat Kisan app?

Q4Application/ImpactMediumUPSC, SSC, Banking

What is the primary strategic shift recommended by the CEEW study to tackle stubble burning more effectively?

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CEEW Study: 31% Farmers Partially Burn Stubble; Behaviour Change Strategy Needed

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

1-Minute Revision

News Snapshot

Partial Burning: The New Challenge

Declining Fire Counts – A Misleading Metric?

Need for Behaviour Change Communication

Detailed Analysis & Strategic Depth

Context / Background

Core Analysis & Implications

Future Outlook / Way Forward

Prelims Flashpoints

Key Facts at a Glance