Stubble burning or Parali refers to the technique used by farmers to eliminate crop residues from their fields. This practice mainly occurs in late September to November, coinciding with Southwest Monsoon’s withdrawal. The burning of straw stubble left after grain harvests, such as paddy and wheat, is common in North West India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Despite being a prevalent practice, stubble burning has adverse effects, primarily contributing to environmental pollution and degradation.
The Detrimental Effects of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning notably releases large volumes of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, including harmful gases like methane, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such pollutants often undergo physical and chemical changes, leading to detrimental effects on human health and causing thick smog blankets.
Additionally, burning husk on the ground degrades soil fertility by destroying nutrients in the soil. High heat penetration from stubble burning also causes the loss of useful microbes and soil moisture.
Considering Alternatives to Stubble Burning
Farmers can employ various alternatives to stubble burning, such as in-situ treatment of stubble or off-site ex-situ treatments. In-situ treatment includes crop residue management, using zero-tiller machines, and applying bio-decomposers. Off-site treatment involves utilizing rice straw as cattle fodder. The use of technology, such as Turbo Happy Seeder machines, can aid in uprooting the stubble and sowing seeds simultaneously in the cleared area. Notably, the stubble can serve as mulch for the field.
Introduction to Bio-Decomposer and Its Role in Tackling Stubble Burning
The bio-decomposer, designed to accelerate the natural decomposition process of crop residues, hosts a mixture of several microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and enzymes. These organisms endeavor to decompose plant material into organic matter that enriches the soil.
One such bio-decomposer is the Pusa-Biodecomposer, a fungi-based liquid solution developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. This solution softens hard stubble, making it easy to mix with the field’s soil to serve as compost. It can effectively convert crop residues, animal waste, dung, and other waste into organic manure in a short time.
Multiple Benefits of Bio-Decomposer
The benefits of using bio-decomposer solutions are numerous. Application of these solutions can improve soil fertility and productivity. They offer an efficient, effective, inexpensive and eco-friendly technique to counter stubble burning. Moreover, they align with initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission aimed at conservation and environmental pollution reduction.
However, the effectiveness of microbial solutions depends on several factors like timing of application, crop rotation, labor availability, type of crop, and weather conditions. Hence, farmers must strategize these factors to maximize the effectiveness of bio-decomposer.
Government Efforts to Tackle Stubble Burning
To address air pollution issues arising from stubble burning, government bodies from Punjab, National Capital Region states, and Delhi have developed comprehensive action plans. These plans, based on the framework provided by the Commission for Air Quality Management, are intended to effectively monitor and manage the impact of such practices.
The Way Forward
Encouraging farmers to adopt alternative farming practices, such as zero tillage, direct seeding, and crop diversification can help reduce crop residue generation and minimize the need for stubble burning. Promoting modern harvesting machinery usage can significantly lower the amount of stubble left behind, thereby lessening the need for burning.
Additionally, impactful awareness campaigns educating farmers about stubble burning’s harmful effects and possible alternatives can be transformative. Furthermore, engaging with farmer groups, agricultural universities, and local communities can effectively disseminate such information.
As a closing note, it is essential to recognize the existing challenges and work towards sustainable solutions. Thus, collective efforts from government bodies, farming communities, and individuals are integral to addressing the detrimental effects of stubble burning on the environment and human health.
