HDFC Bank Parivartan Contributes to Saving Over 3.26 Lakh Acres of Farmland from Stubble Burning
Srinagar: Marking World Environment Day, HDFC Bank announced that its Crop Residue Management (CRM) initiative, implemented through its CSR programme Parivartan in partnership with the CII Foundation, has helped prevent stubble burning across 88 percent of 3,78,425 acres of farmland in Punjab and Haryana during the 2025 season.
The programme, launched to tackle agricultural air pollution in North India, reached nearly 86,000 farmers across more than 380 villages in Ludhiana and Sangrur districts of Punjab and Fatehabad district of Haryana.
Stubble burning following the paddy harvest remains a major contributor to seasonal air pollution in North India. According to the programme data, burning one tonne of paddy straw releases approximately three kilograms of particulate matter into the atmosphere while also degrading soil quality by depleting essential nutrients.
The initiative has recorded significant progress, with eight villages completely eliminating stubble burning and 174 villages achieving more than 90 percent compliance with non-burning practices.
A key component of the programme involved improving access to farm machinery. More than 450 machines, including Balers, Super Seeders, Smart Seeders and Mittar Seeders, were provided to over 140 farmer cooperatives and Farmer Producer Organisations. Additionally, 800 tractors were deployed on hire to assist small and marginal farmers during the critical post-harvest period.
Officials said the use of modern machinery significantly reduced residue management and sowing costs from around ₹2,000–₹2,500 per acre to approximately ₹800–₹1,200 per acre while simultaneously improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
The programme has also promoted alternative uses of crop residue. Eighteen paddy straw-based biogas units have already been installed, while two bio-pelletization plants and one bio-fertilizer plant are being established to strengthen off-field residue management.
Speaking on the achievement, Nusrat Pathan, Head of CSR at HDFC Bank, said the initiative addressed economic, access and awareness barriers simultaneously through machinery support, community engagement and alternative residue-management solutions.
The programme is scheduled to continue through 2026-27, with plans to expand its reach, strengthen residue-management infrastructure and further promote sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
