Paddy Stubble Burning Trends and Environmental Impact in Punjab

Paddy harvesting in Punjab has accelerated in 2025, accompanied by notable incidents of stubble burning. Despite a severe flood earlier in the year reducing the total burnt area, stubble burning remains a key contributor to air pollution in northern India. This practice, driven by the need to clear fields quickly for the next crop, continues to challenge environmental and agricultural policies.

Recent Trends in Paddy Stubble Burning

Recently, Punjab reported decline in the number of stubble burning incidents. Satellite data shows about 10,909 fire cases this year, down 70% from 36,663 in 2023. However, the total area affected by burning has not decreased proportionately and remains around 19 lakh hectares. This paradox suggests changes in the nature and detection of fires rather than a straightforward reduction.

Reasons Behind Stubble Burning Practices

Farmers burn paddy stubble primarily to prepare their fields for wheat sowing within a short three-week window. The use of combine harvesters leaves behind crop residue that must be cleared quickly. Burning is considered the fastest and most cost-effective method despite its environmental hazards. Limited time and resources compel farmers to continue this practice.

Challenges in Measuring Stubble Burning

Satellite monitoring of farm fires faces several limitations. Thermal sensors on satellites like MODIS and VIIRS capture only a few passes daily and often miss fires ignited late in the day. Weather conditions such as haze and clouds further obstruct detection. Fragmented and low-intensity burns typical of small farms in Punjab are harder to detect than large-scale forest fires. Farmers may also conceal burnt areas before satellite overpasses, complicating accurate reporting.

Advancements in Remote Sensing Technology

Recent studies show the use of optical sensors like Sentinel-2 to detect post-fire changes such as burn scars and discolouration. This method complements thermal imaging and provides a more precise estimate of burnt areas. Integration of multiple satellite data sources combined with ground verification is essential for accurate fire assessment.

Environmental Impact and Emission Assessment

An increase in burnt area does not directly translate to higher pollution emissions. Many fires are low-intensity and short-lived, releasing fewer pollutants than extensive high-intensity burns. Emission estimates must consider fire intensity, fuel load, and duration rather than burnt area alone for a realistic environmental impact assessment.

Government Measures and Policy Responses

The Punjab government and the Indian Centre have introduced stricter enforcement and subsidised machinery to manage crop residue without burning. These include equipment for in-situ management and alternative uses of stubble. Despite these efforts, the persistence of stubble burning marks the need for more sustainable agricultural practices and farmer support.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the challenges faced in satellite-based monitoring of environmental issues and suggest improvements with examples.
2. Critically analyse the impact of agricultural practices like stubble burning on air quality and public health in India.
3. Estimate the role of government policies in mitigating environmental pollution caused by traditional farming methods. How can farmer participation be enhanced?
4. Underline the significance of integrating technological advancements and ground-level data in environmental monitoring and policy formulation.

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the challenges faced in satellite-based monitoring of environmental issues and suggest improvements with examples.

1. Satellites like MODIS and VIIRS have limited daily passes, missing fires ignited late in the day.
2. Haze, clouds, and weather conditions obstruct thermal sensor detection, causing underreporting.
3. Small, fragmented, and low-intensity fires typical of agricultural fields are harder to detect than large-scale fires.
4. Farmers may conceal burnt areas before satellite overpasses, further complicating detection.
5. Integration of optical sensors (e.g., Sentinel-2) helps identify post-fire scars and discolouration, improving accuracy.
6. Combining thermal and optical data with systematic ground verification enhances reliability of environmental monitoring.

2. Critically analyse the impact of agricultural practices like stubble burning on air quality and public health in India.

1. Stubble burning releases particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and harmful gases (CO, NOx) worsening air quality.
2. It contributes to seasonal smog and haze in northern India, especially affecting Delhi and Punjab.
3. Exposure to pollutants from burning increases respiratory illnesses, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
4. Short time window between crops compels farmers to burn residue despite health risks.
5. Low-intensity fires emit less pollution per unit area but widespread burning cumulatively impacts public health.
6. Mitigation requires balancing agricultural needs with environmental and health considerations.

3. Estimate the role of government policies in mitigating environmental pollution caused by traditional farming methods. How can farmer participation be enhanced?

1. Government initiatives include subsidised machinery for in-situ crop residue management and stricter enforcement against burning.
2. Satellite monitoring and data transparency help track and penalize stubble burning incidents.
3. Policies promote alternative uses of crop residue, e.g., bioenergy, composting, and fodder.
4. Farmer participation improves through awareness campaigns, financial incentives, and easy access to technology.
5. Addressing time constraints and providing affordable, efficient machinery encourages adoption of sustainable practices.
6. Community-level engagement and local leadership can encourage collective responsibility and compliance.

4. Underline the significance of integrating technological advancements and ground-level data in environmental monitoring and policy formulation.

1. Technological integration (thermal + optical sensors) provides comprehensive and accurate detection of environmental events.
2. Ground verification validates satellite data, correcting for false negatives and improving data quality.
3. Combining data sources enables better understanding of fire intensity, duration, and emissions beyond burnt area alone.
4. Reliable data supports evidence-based policy-making and targeted interventions.
5. Advancements in remote sensing allow real-time monitoring and quicker response to environmental hazards.
6. Integration encourages transparency, accountability, and effective resource allocation in environmental management.