Crop residues management: A sustainable approach for rice and wheat production in Indo-Gangetic plains

A major contributor to air pollution in the northern states of the Indian subcontinent and the entire Indian subcontinent is the burning of agricultural trash. The waste biomass is mostly burned in the North, from cereal crops like rice and wheat, and in other regions, from sugarcane leftovers. People impacted by this practice have shortened life expectancy, worsened health conditions, and are more likely to contract serious diseases due to the massive rise in numerous toxic gasses, such as sulfur compounds and particulate matter, released when agricultural leftovers are burned. This review provides an overview of the present tactics used to manage agricultural waste residues, with a focus on India. It also discusses the limitations of these strategies, as well as any proposed sustainable biotechnological solutions and their current status. This process can be greatly improved with the help of artificial intelligence systems for real-time monitoring and new mechanical stump removal techniques. Two major areas that are being promoted and have great promise are the creation of a commercial, decentralized market for the produced residues and the education of farmers and other interested parties, including policymakers, regarding their production and distribution. The best way to encourage farmers to act is to provide them with value items made from stubble. Among the many possible commercial uses for agricultural byproducts are: sustainable building practices, commercial product packaging, construction and roofing materials, biochar production for a variety of uses, mushroom cultivation substrate, and fermentation raw materials for the production of commercially valuable enzymes and other products. The success of the projects depends on government actions and assistance, in addition to commercial collaborations.