Governmentality and Marketing System Failure: The Case of Stubble Burning and Climate Change in Neoliberal India

Abstract

This qualitative inquiry examines the ways in which the governmentality of ‘conducting the conduct’ of the farming population contributes to adverse ecological outcomes, such as the widespread practice of stubble burning in neoliberal India, which exacerbates the challenges posed by climate change. The analysis suggests that governmentality, as a governing framework, distorts interactions within the marketing system, leading to misalignments in the motivations of system actors that ultimately contributes to the failure of the system. By focusing on the phenomenon of stubble burning in India, this study highlights the complex interconnections between governmental framework, market forces, and individual actors in agricultural marketing system. The misalignment of these elements is shown to result in negative system outcomes. The qualitative analysis identifies three key themes: the interplay of governmentality, hegemonic commissioning agents, and marginalization of farmers. The study proposes the development of an inclusive ‘farm waste’ value chain that emphasizes the circularity of agriculture, and fosters equitable sharing of benefits, thereby preserving the regenerative capacities of agricultural systems.