The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) reports that incidents of stubble burning in Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region) decreased by 31.5% in 2022 compared to 2021. There was also a significant reduction in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh with decreases of 30%, 47.60%, and 21.435% respectively. The data on stubble fire counts is based on information sourced from NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Satellites.
Why Stubble Burning Decreased?
The reduction in stubble burning is primarily due to initiatives by state governments, which included both in-situ and ex-situ management techniques. Additionally, a special campaign was launched to honor farmers who refrained from burning stubble.
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Treatment of Stubble
In-situ management involves techniques such as using zero-tiller machines and bio-decomposers (like Pusa bio-decomposer) for crop residue management. Ex-situ (off-site) treatment includes using rice straw as cattle fodder. In 2022, approximately 10 million tonnes of straw were managed through in-situ methods in Punjab — a 25% increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, 1.8 million tonnes of straw were managed through the ex-situ method, marking a 33% increase over the previous year.
Understanding Stubble Burning
Stubble burning is a process used to remove paddy crop residues from fields, primarily between late September and November. The leftover straw stubble, after harvest, is set on fire, leaving the field clear for the next sowing season. This practice is common in parts of North West India, especially Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Consequences of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning releases significant amounts of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, including harmful gases such as methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and carcinogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. These pollutants can cause a smog blanket, leading to adverse effects on human health. Moreover, soil fertility is compromised, as the burning destroys nutrients in the soil and causes a loss of moisture and useful microbes due to heat penetration.
Technological Alternatives to Stubble Burning
Alternatives to stubble burning include employing technology such as the Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine. This machine can uproot the stubble and sow seeds in the cleared area concurrently. The remaining stubble can then be used as mulch for the field.
Government Initiatives Against Air Pollution
State Governments of Punjab, NCR States, and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) have developed detailed action plans to tackle air pollution, based on a framework provided by the CAQM. The CAQM, a statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021, was formed to manage air quality in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.
The Future of Stubble Management
It is crucial to explore constructive uses of stubble rather than burning it, which contributes to air pollution, causes respiratory diseases, and exacerbates greenhouse gas emissions. Possibilities include using stubble as animal feed or recycling it to produce paper, cardboard, and manure. Advanced technologies can also be employed to manage stubble effectively. For example, the Turbo-Happy Seeder Machine and Bio-Decomposer can facilitate sustainable farming practices.
Using crop residue for additional purposes, such as charcoal gasification, power generation, and industrial raw material for bio-ethanol production, can also provide sustainable solutions to managing stubble. In Palla village outside Delhi, the Nandi Foundation purchased 800 MT of paddy residue from farmers, turning it into manure, showcasing a constructive use of stubble.
Comparison of Air Pollution in Mega Cities
Compared to other mega cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, Delhi faces a more serious air pollution problem due to factors including stubble burning. It is therefore imperative to continue focusing on efficient and effective stubble management strategies to combat this issue.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024