The recurring issue of stubble burning in the state of Punjab, India, has returned to national attention as instances of this harmful farm practice have continued to rise, despite regulatory efforts by the government. The close of the recent wheat harvest has been identified as a catalyst for the increased instances of stubble burning, which pose serious health and environmental consequences.
Overview of Stubble Burning Incidents
In 2020, there were a total of 13,026 reported incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, an increase from the 10,476 incidents recorded in 2019, and the 11,236 in 2011. The practice remains regulated under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981, which places a ban on crop residue burning and stipulates punitive measures against those found to be violating the law.
The act of stubble burning introduces a myriad of health risks to local populations, including respiratory difficulties and lung complications, which pose an additional threat to individuals currently contending with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Understanding the Issue of Stubble burning
Stubble burning refers to the intentional incineration of crop residue as a means of clearing fields for subsequent harvests. The issue is primarily attributed to the widespread use of mechanized harvesting in the region, a process that leaves sizable amounts of stubble behind.
Previously, farmers utilized leftover crops for cooking, animal feed, and as insulation for homes. However, these traditional uses have gradually become outdated, leaving farmers with the challenge of removing stubble within a limited period, in order to avoid significant crop losses. As such, many have resorted to burning as the fastest and cheapest solution, despite the risk it poses for pest attacks on future crops.
The Environmental and Health Effects of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning releases vast quantities of toxic pollutants into the air, including harmful gases such as methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and potentially carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Once released, these pollutants can undergo physical and chemical transformations that lead to the formation of smog, posing severe health risks to humans.
In addition to air pollution, stubble burning contributes to soil degradation by reducing soil fertility and causing the loss of beneficial microbes and moisture due to heat penetration.
Alternative Solutions for Stubble Management
Several environmentally-friendly solutions have been proposed for managing crop residue, including using stubble in the production of high-grade organic fertilizers by combining it with cow dung and natural enzymes.
Furthermore, the conversion of stubble into bio coal presents an opportunity for electricity generation, offering a sustainable and lucrative alternative to burning.
Policy Recommendations and Future Directions
Addressing the issue of stubble burning requires both short-term interventions and long-term strategic planning. On one hand, expanding schemes like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to include harvesting and composting of stubble could offer immediate relief while tackling unemployment.
On the other hand, establishing Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs) for custom hiring of in-situ crop residue management machinery, and providing financial incentives to small and marginal farmers for crop residue management, would also contribute to resolving the issue.
Finally, strategically shifting the cropping patterns from paddy to crops like maize, cotton, fruits, or vegetables in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh in the long term will also help to address the challenge.