Stubble Burning and Air Pollution in India

The Indo-Gangetic Plain experiences severe air pollution each November. This pollution stems from various sources including vehicles, power plants, and construction dust. The cessation of monsoon winds and a drop in temperatures create an inversion layer. This layer traps pollutants, preventing them from dispersing. Stubble burning, particularly in Punjab, worsens this situation. Farmers burn rice chaff to prepare land for the Rabi wheat crop. This practice contributes to the air quality crisis in Delhi and other northern cities.

Impact of Stubble Burning

Studies show a direct correlation between stubble burning and increased air pollution. Research indicates that winds from Punjab and Haryana contribute to higher PM2.5 levels in Delhi. On average, stubble burning accounts for 22% of air pollution during this period, peaking at 35%. Each fire incident correlates with a notable increase in particulate matter. About these contributions is crucial for addressing air quality issues.

Government Policies and Market Failures

Recent research marks the role of government policies in exacerbating stubble burning. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system encourages mono-cropping. Farmers are pressured to maximise grain output, leading to unsustainable practices. The study reveals that farmers perceive state policies as favouring urban interests over rural communities. This creates a cycle of marginalisation and reliance on stubble burning as a survival tactic.

Farmers’ Perspectives

Interviews with farmers reveal their struggles within the agricultural marketing system. They face challenges such as low prices set by middlemen, known as arhatias. These agents control market access and often trap farmers in debt. The stagnant MSP rates fail to cover rising cultivation costs. Farmers feel caught between state regulations against stubble burning and the lack of affordable alternatives.

Proposed Solutions

To combat stubble burning, researchers suggest developing a market for stubble-based products. These products could include fodder and energy sources. Strengthening the value chain is essential for improving farmers’ incomes and addressing climate change. Regulatory interventions could involve prohibiting stubble burning, managing it through permits, and incentivising stubble use. Fair pricing for produce is critical to support farmers and enhance market efficiency.

Role of Cultural Change

Addressing the socio-economic pressures on farmers is vital. Encouraging cultural change can help reduce aspirational consumption. Involvement from socio-cultural organisations may support this shift. Such changes can alleviate the financial burdens faced by farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically discuss the impact of government policies on agricultural practices in India.
2. Examine the socio-economic factors contributing to stubble burning among farmers.
3. Analyse the relationship between air pollution and public health in urban India.
4. Point out the challenges in implementing sustainable agricultural practices in the context of market failures.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically discuss the impact of government policies on agricultural practices in India.

1. The Minimum Support Price (MSP) system promotes mono-cropping, leading to unsustainable practices.
2. Government directives encourage farmers to maximize grain output, contributing to suboptimal behaviors like stubble burning.
3. Policies are perceived as favoring urban-industrial interests, marginalizing rural farmers.
4. Stagnant MSP rates do not cover rising costs, further pressuring farmers to resort to harmful practices.
5. Market failures and lack of affordable alternatives exacerbate reliance on traditional, damaging methods.

2. Examine the socio-economic factors contributing to stubble burning among farmers.

1. Farmers often burn stubble as the cheapest method to prepare land for the next crop.
2. Dependency on middlemen (arhatias) leads to low returns and debt, pushing farmers toward stubble burning.
3. Stagnant MSP rates fail to cover rising cultivation costs, compelling farmers to seek quick solutions.
4. Contradictory government policies penalize stubble burning while offering no viable alternatives.
5. Pressure to maximize yield and income leads to unsustainable agricultural practices.

3. Analyse the relationship between air pollution and public health in urban India.

1. Increased PM2.5 levels from stubble burning correlate with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Urban areas like Delhi experience severe air quality crises, leading to public health emergencies.
3. Chronic exposure to high pollution levels can result in long-term health complications for residents.
4. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are disproportionately affected by pollution-related health issues.
5. Government health policies often fail to address the root causes of air pollution effectively.

4. Point out the challenges in implementing sustainable agricultural practices in the context of market failures.

1. Lack of efficient market mechanisms for farm waste hampers the development of sustainable alternatives.
2. Farmers face financial barriers, with low prices set by middlemen discouraging sustainable investments.
3. Government policies prioritize short-term yield over long-term sustainability, creating perverse incentives.
4. Access to technology and information for sustainable practices is often limited for smallholder farmers.
5. Socio-economic pressures and cultural norms may resist changes toward sustainable practices.