What is stubble burning and why is it practiced?

Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue left in fields after harvest, primarily paddy. Farmers practice it to quickly clear fields for the next crop, saving time, labour, and cost. The short window between Kharif (paddy) and Rabi (wheat) seasons, coupled with the high volume of residue left by combine harvesters, makes burning an attractive, albeit environmentally damaging, option for many farmers facing economic pressures and logistical constraints.

Which states contribute most to stubble burning?

The states that contribute most significantly to stubble burning are Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh. These states are major producers of rice and wheat, following an intensive paddy-wheat cropping cycle. The widespread use of combine harvesters and the short turnaround time for sowing the next crop exacerbate the problem in these regions, making them hotspots for seasonal farm fires, particularly in October and November.

How does stubble burning affect Delhi's air quality?

Stubble burning severely deteriorates Delhi's air quality by releasing massive amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), black carbon, and other gaseous pollutants. During the burning season (Oct-Nov), prevailing north-westerly winds carry these pollutants from Punjab and Haryana directly to Delhi-NCR. Combined with stable atmospheric conditions and temperature inversions, these emissions get trapped, leading to hazardous Air Quality Index (AQI) levels and severe health impacts on the city's residents.

What are the main alternatives to stubble burning?

Main alternatives include in-situ and ex-situ methods. In-situ methods involve managing residue within the field using machinery like Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Zero-Till Drill, or applying bio-decomposers like the Pusa bio-decomposer. Ex-situ methods involve collecting the stubble for off-farm uses such as biomass power generation, fodder, paper manufacturing, or bio-ethanol production. Each method has its own cost, time, and logistical considerations for farmers.

What legal measures exist against stubble burning?

Legal measures include provisions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which empowers the government to take steps to prevent environmental pollution. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued bans and directions, while the Supreme Court of India has repeatedly intervened, issuing stringent orders to states to curb the practice and explore long-term solutions. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) also has statutory powers to enforce measures.

How effective is the bio-decomposer technology?

The Pusa bio-decomposer technology has shown promising results in trials, effectively decomposing stubble into organic matter within 20-25 days, enriching soil health. Its effectiveness depends on proper application, moisture availability, and temperature. While it offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly in-situ solution, challenges remain in widespread adoption, ensuring timely application across vast agricultural areas, and farmer awareness and acceptance, especially given the tight sowing window.

What role does MSP policy play in stubble burning?

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy, particularly for paddy, indirectly contributes to stubble burning. MSP assures farmers a guaranteed price for paddy, incentivizing its cultivation, often in regions less suitable for it (e.g., water-stressed areas). This leads to a monoculture of paddy-wheat, generating vast quantities of paddy stubble. Without an equally strong economic incentive or market for paddy straw, farmers are left with limited viable options for residue management, pushing them towards burning to clear fields for the next MSP-backed crop (wheat).

What are the health impacts of stubble burning?

Stubble burning releases fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and other toxins that severely impact human health. Exposure leads to acute respiratory infections, exacerbates asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases. Long-term exposure increases the risk of lung cancer, strokes, and premature deaths. Children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable, experiencing reduced lung function and increased hospital admissions during peak burning seasons.

How do satellite data and monitoring agencies track stubble burning?

Agencies like NASA and ISRO use satellite imagery, such as data from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), to detect thermal anomalies or 'fire counts' indicating active burning events. These satellite observations provide real-time data on the location, intensity, and spread of farm fires. SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research) integrates this fire count data with meteorological forecasts and air quality models to predict the impact of stubble burning on urban air quality, issuing advisories and informing policy responses.

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The legal framework addressing stubble burning primarily draws its authority from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA). Section 3 of the EPA empowers the Central Government to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution. This includes issu…

Quick Summary

Stubble burning, the practice of igniting crop residue after harvest, is a major environmental concern in North India, particularly Punjab, Haryana, and UP. Driven by the need for quick field clearance for the next crop, especially after combine harvesting, it leads to severe air pollution, reduced visibility, and health hazards.

The burning releases harmful pollutants like PM2.5, black carbon, and greenhouse gases, significantly contributing to the infamous winter smog in Delhi-NCR. Key solutions involve in-situ methods like Happy Seeder and Pusa bio-decomposer, which incorporate or decompose stubble in the field, and ex-situ methods like baling for biomass energy.

Legal interventions from the Supreme Court and NGT, alongside government schemes and monitoring by agencies like SAFAR and NASA, aim to curb this practice. However, economic drivers, MSP policies, and the lack of affordable, timely alternatives for farmers remain significant challenges, highlighting a complex interplay of agricultural economics, environmental policy, and public health.

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What: — Burning crop residue (stubble) after harvest.

When: — Primarily Oct-Nov (post-Kharif paddy harvest).

Where: — Punjab, Haryana, Western UP.

Why: — Quick field clearance, low cost, short sowing window.

Impact: — Severe air pollution (PM2.5, Black Carbon), soil degradation, health issues, reduced visibility.

Solutions (In-situ): — Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Pusa Bio-decomposer.

Solutions (Ex-situ): — Baling for biomass, fodder, paper, bio-ethanol.

Legal: — Environment Protection Act 1986, NGT orders, Supreme Court directives, CAQM.

Monitoring: — NASA VIIRS, SAFAR, CPCB.

Key Challenge: — Economic viability of alternatives for farmers, MSP linkage.

Remember the core aspects of stubble burning with STUBBLE:

Seasonal: Peaks in Oct-Nov after paddy harvest.

Technology gap: Lack of affordable, accessible Technological alternatives.

Uneconomical alternatives: Current solutions are often Unprofitable for farmers.

Biomass burning: Releases Black Carbon, PM2.5, and other pollutants.

Breathless cities: Major cause of Bad air quality in Delhi-NCR.

Legal interventions: Laws, NGT, and SC orders are in place.

Economic solutions needed: Requires Economic incentives and market linkages.

Stubble Burning

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