Punjab’s Stubble Burning Crisis – An Overview

In Punjab, stubble burning remains a prevalent practice among farmers despite government efforts to curb it. Strict fines and Supreme Court directives have not deterred this method of crop residue disposal. A important initiative aimed at addressing the issue involved distributing subsidised seeder machines. However, this plan has largely failed, with many of these machines abandoned or sold as scrap. The situation marks the disconnect between government intentions and the practical realities faced by farmers.

Government Initiatives and Their Shortcomings

The government introduced subsidised seeder machines to promote sustainable farming practices. These machines are designed to incorporate stubble into the soil instead of burning it. Despite subsidies covering up to 80% of the cost, many farmers find these machines impractical. The machines require heavy-duty tractors that are often too expensive for small-scale farmers. Consequently, farmers continue to rely on burning as a quicker and cheaper alternative.

Practical Challenges Faced by Farmers

Farmers cite multiple challenges that hinder the effective use of seeder machines. The high cost of machinery and operational expenses, including fuel, burden small-scale farmers. For instance, a cooperative secretary noted that a machine costing Rs 1.25 lakh after subsidies has not been used due to the requirement of a 4×4 tractor. Many farmers who attempted to use these machines faced crop losses, further discouraging their use.

Time Constraints and Crop Yields

The narrow window between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat adds pressure on farmers. Those who burn stubble can prepare their fields and sow wheat on time. In contrast, farmers using seeder machines often face delays, risking their crop yields. This time constraint influences farmers’ decisions, pushing them towards burning as the most viable option.

The Reality of Abandoned Machines

Across various districts in Punjab, cooperative societies report abandoned seeder machines. In villages like Bahman Diwana and Dion, these machines sit unused, starkly contrasting with government claims of success. The proliferation of advertisements for second-hand or scrap seeder machines on social media marks the extent of the issue. Farmers’ experiences reveal a grim reality, where well-intentioned plans have failed to meet their needs.

The Need for Effective Solutions

The government’s initiative aimed to reduce stubble burning and promote sustainable farming. However, high costs and operational inefficiencies have led many farmers back to burning. Without addressing these core issues, the cycle of stubble burning is unlikely to change. The sight of rusting machines serves as a reminder of the gap between policy and practice.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically examine the impact of agricultural practices on environmental sustainability in India.
2. Discuss the role of technology in modernising agriculture and its challenges in rural India.
3. Explain the socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ decisions regarding crop residue management.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the effectiveness of government interventions in addressing agricultural issues in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically examine the impact of agricultural practices on environmental sustainability in India.

1. Intensive farming leads to soil degradation and loss of biodiversity.
2. Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides contaminates water sources.
3. Stubble burning contributes to air pollution, affecting health and climate.
4. Unsustainable water usage for irrigation depletes groundwater resources.
5. Government policies often prioritize yield over sustainable practices.

2. Discuss the role of technology in modernising agriculture and its challenges in rural India.

1. Technology can enhance productivity through precision farming and data analytics.
2. Access to technology is limited by infrastructure and financial constraints.
3. Farmers may lack training to effectively use modern agricultural tools.
4. Heavy machinery often requires expensive maintenance and fuel.
5. Digital divide exacerbates inequalities among small and large farmers.

3. Explain the socio-economic factors influencing farmers’ decisions regarding crop residue management.

1. Economic constraints make burning more appealing due to lower costs.
2. Time pressures between harvest and sowing push farmers towards quick solutions.
3. Access to resources like machinery and labor affects management choices.
4. Community practices and peer influence shape decision-making processes.
5. Government incentives may not align with farmers’ immediate needs.

4. With suitable examples, discuss the effectiveness of government interventions in addressing agricultural issues in India.

1. Subsidized seeder machines intended to reduce stubble burning have largely failed.
2. Direct cash transfers to farmers have shown mixed results in improving livelihoods.
3. Public distribution systems help food security but often lack efficiency.
4. Government initiatives like crop insurance aim to mitigate risks but face implementation challenges.
5. Success stories, like the promotion of organic farming, highlight potential for effective policy.