Stubble Firing

Stubble firing numbers in Delhi’s surrounding states decreased by 31.5% over the previous year.

Paddy crop stubble firing incidents fell in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).

Present situation
- Compared to the previous year, the amount of Stubble burned in Delhi’s neighbouring states has dropped by 31.5% this harvest season.
- Haryana recorded the most significant decline (47.6%), followed by Punjab (30%).
- The most significant reduction in Haryana was reported from Fatehabad district, while the sharpest drop in Punjab was observed from Ludhiana.
- One of the main reasons for Delhi’s wintertime air pollution is farm fires.
- It happens when farmers burn their crop residue in the little window between paddy harvest and wheat planting.

Farmers typically burn the rice and wheat straws left in the field after combined harvesting to make seed bed preparation and seeding easier.
Comparing this strategy to other techniques for managing crop residues, farmers find it quick and affordable.
Farmers are unwilling to invest further in equipment helpful in managing crop residue because the cost of farming inputs is rising daily.
- For most farmers, using a tractor-operated machine to manage paddy stubble is still an expensive option.

Causes deterioration of soil
- Burning crop wastes depletes the soil of a significant amount of nutrients and organic carbon.
Environmental Pollution
- In October and November, air pollution in north India is primarily caused by agricultural fires.
- These fires’ pollution spread over the area, resulting in severe smog and air quality problems.
- These months are marked by a rise in the atmospheric concentration of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and PM 10.

Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme
- To comprehensively address the issue of crop residue burning, the central government developed the CRM scheme.
- The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare initiated the Central Sector Scheme.
Monitoring through Satellite Imagery
- With the assistance of ISRO, IARI, and other stakeholders, it is created using satellite data.
Pusa Decomposer by Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- The Pusa decomposer is a bio-enzyme developed by IARI to decompose crop residue.
- It decomposes stubble within 20-25 days of spraying and converts it to manure, improving soil quality.

Education and awareness for farmers
- Farmers have a difficult time unlearning the practice of stubble burning.
- They should be educated about its negative consequences and offered appealing alternatives.
Incentives from the government
- The government should also subsidise or incentivize industries that turn waste into economically viable products.
By utilizing crop residue
- Instead of burning the stubble, it can be used for cattle feed, compost manure, rural roofing, biomass energy, mushroom cultivation, packing materials, fuel, paper, bio-ethanol, industrial production, and so on.

Pic Courtesy: Indian Express

Content Source: Times of India