Strategies to End Stubble Burning in North India

Stubble burning remains a major environmental challenge in North India. Despite several interventions over the past seven years, the practice persists due to economic and systemic barriers faced by farmers. Recent data shows stubble burning contributes 15-30 per cent of Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution during peak periods. Coordinated efforts between Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi are essential to reduce pollution and improve air quality in the National Capital Region.

Role of Custom Hiring Centres

Punjab and Haryana have over 250,000 straw-handling machines but only 40 per cent are in use. Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) manage these machines, but inefficiencies and opaque rental systems limit their effectiveness. Only 15 per cent of farmers use CHC machines for on-farm stubble management. Subsidised machines need to cover a minimum area to be financially viable. Reforms must mandate operational targets, integrate mobile booking apps, and offer technical training to improve machine availability and reduce downtime.

Addressing Farmer Myths and Awareness

Many farmers avoid crop residue management machines due to myths about pest attacks and reduced yields. Current spending on education and field demonstrations is minimal compared to overall budgets. States should increase investment in strategic communication, including training, demonstrations, and cost-benefit evidence. This will help dispel misconceptions and encourage adoption of sustainable practices.

Developing Infrastructure for Ex-Situ Utilisation

Ex-situ methods use paddy residue as fuel or feedstock for biogas and biochar production. Punjab has achieved only 60 per cent of its target capacity for these methods. Challenges include high biomass delivery costs, lack of balers and storage, and insufficient skilled workers. States must conduct price discovery studies and standardise biomass storage to reduce losses and fire risks. Expanding infrastructure will enable better residue utilisation and reduce burning.

Promoting Circular Economy Products

Products like fermented organic manure and biochar can improve soil health and provide income to farmers. Quality standards exist for fermented manure but not yet for biochar. Governments should establish application guidelines and support training and field trials. Growing global demand for carbon credits linked to biochar presents new revenue opportunities for Indian farmers.

Changing Paddy Cultivation Practices

Reducing straw generation by promoting short-duration paddy varieties is crucial. PR 126, a short-duration variety, is less water-intensive and produces less straw than PUSA 44. By 2026, government procurement rules should cap paddy purchases per acre based on yields of short-duration varieties. This will discourage cultivation of high-straw varieties and reduce residue volume.

Collaborative and Timely Action

Ending stubble burning requires coordinated efforts from governments, farmers, industry, and academia. Immediate reforms and training starting this winter can reduce severe pollution peaks. With sustained commitment, air quality improvements are achievable by 2028, benefiting millions in the region.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of agricultural practices on air pollution in India, with special reference to stubble burning in North India.
2. Explain the role of government policies and subsidies in promoting sustainable farming practices. How can they be improved to address environmental challenges?
3. What are the challenges in implementing circular economy models in Indian agriculture? Discuss with suitable examples related to biomass utilisation.
4. Underline the importance of inter-state coordination in managing environmental issues like air pollution and water resource management in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of agricultural practices on air pollution in India, with special reference to stubble burning in North India.

1. Stubble burning contributes 15-30% of Delhi’s PM 2.5 pollution during peak burning days annually.
2. It causes severe air quality deterioration, leading to health hazards like respiratory diseases and increased mortality.
3. Economic constraints and lack of alternatives compel farmers to burn crop residue despite penalties.
4. Stubble burning emissions include particulate matter, greenhouse gases, and toxic pollutants affecting regional climate and environment.
5. Persistence of burning reflects systemic inefficiencies in machinery use, residue management, and policy enforcement.
6. Reduction in burning can improve air quality in NCR, showing the direct link between agricultural practices and urban pollution.

2. Explain the role of government policies and subsidies in promoting sustainable farming practices. How can they be improved to address environmental challenges?

1. Governments provide subsidies (up to 80%) on straw-handling machines to encourage sustainable residue management.
2. Policies include fines on burning, funding for crop residue management, and promotion of biofuel projects.
3. Current subsidy schemes lack operational support and mandate, leading to underutilization of machinery.
4. Improvement requires reforming Custom Hiring Centres with usage targets, app-based booking, and technical training.
5. Increased budget allocation for farmer education and myth-busting campaigns can improve adoption rates.
6. Policy must incentivize ex-situ residue use and circular economy products, ensuring market development and pricing mechanisms.

3. What are the challenges in implementing circular economy models in Indian agriculture? Discuss with suitable examples related to biomass utilisation.

1. High cost and complexity of biomass collection, storage, and transportation hinder efficient residue utilization.
2. Lack of adequate infrastructure like balers, storage facilities, and skilled workforce limits scale-up of bioenergy plants.
3. Limited operational compressed biogas plants and underachievement of ex-situ utilisation targets (only 60% achieved in Punjab).
4. Absence of standardized quality norms and application guidelines for products like biochar restrict market acceptance.
5. Price discovery and fair return mechanisms for farmers and developers are yet to be fully established.
6. Developing demand for circular products (fermented manure, biochar) and linking to carbon credit markets remain nascent challenges.

4. Underline the importance of inter-state coordination in managing environmental issues like air pollution and water resource management in India.

1. Pollution sources like stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana affect air quality in Delhi and NCR, necessitating joint action.
2. Coordinated policies can harmonize regulations, share resources, and implement region-wide solutions effectively.
3. Inter-state collaboration enables data sharing, synchronized enforcement, and pooled funding for infrastructure.
4. Water resource management also requires basin-level cooperation to ensure equitable and sustainable usage.
5. Multi-state efforts can reduce duplication, improve accountability, and enhance impact of interventions.
6. Successful environmental management depends on political will, institutional mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement across states.