Madhya Pradesh has taken step to combat stubble burning. The Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, announced that farmers who engage in this practice will lose access to the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Scheme. This scheme provides financial assistance to farmers. The decision aims to address severe environmental issues caused by crop residue burning. The guidelines will be enforced from May 1, 2025.
Impact of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning leads to serious environmental consequences. It causes air pollution and degrades soil quality. The process destroys essential nutrients needed for soil fertility. This practice is prevalent in Madhya Pradesh, which reported the highest number of stubble burning incidents in India in 2025.
Government Response
The Madhya Pradesh government has banned stubble burning. Despite this ban, many farmers continue the practice. The government has initiated strict measures against offenders. Farmers found burning stubble will be denied benefits from the Kisan Kalyan Scheme. They will also not have their crops purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Scheme
Introduced in 2020, the Kisan Kalyan Scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers. As of March 2025, approximately 85 lakh farmers benefit from this scheme. The financial aid aims to support farmers and improve agricultural productivity. The new regulations serve as a deterrent against harmful practices.
Statistics on Stubble Burning
Recent reports indicate alarming statistics regarding stubble burning in Madhya Pradesh. From April 1 to April 24, 2025, there were 24,953 reported cases of stubble fires. In contrast, Uttar Pradesh reported 6,895 cases, while Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi followed. This stark difference marks the urgent need for intervention.
Enforcement Measures
Authorities in Madhya Pradesh are actively monitoring stubble burning incidents. Farmers are being penalised for violations. For instance, on April 16, 2025, 102 farmers were booked in a single day. Penalties amounting to ₹3.09 lakh were imposed across the Indore district. These efforts aim to reduce stubble burning incidents.
Environmental Awareness
The government is focusing on raising awareness about the environmental impact of stubble burning. Educational campaigns are being launched to inform farmers about sustainable farming practices. The aim is to encourage methods that do not harm the environment or degrade soil quality.
Future Implications
If the ban on stubble burning is effective, it could lead to improved air quality and enhanced soil fertility. This would benefit farmers in the long run. Sustainable practices are essential for the future of agriculture in Madhya Pradesh.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the environmental impacts of stubble burning in India and suggest alternative practices for farmers.
- Explain the significance of the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Scheme in promoting sustainable agriculture in Madhya Pradesh.
- What are the socio-economic consequences of air pollution caused by stubble burning? Discuss with suitable examples.
- What is the role of government policies in addressing agricultural practices? How do they impact farmer behaviour and environmental sustainability?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the environmental impacts of stubble burning in India and suggest alternative practices for farmers.
- Stubble burning contributes to air pollution, releasing harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
- It degrades soil quality by destroying essential nutrients, leading to reduced fertility and long-term agricultural viability.
- Alternatives include mulching, composting, and using cover crops to enhance soil health without burning.
- Crop rotation and intercropping can also improve soil structure and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
- Government incentives for adopting sustainable practices can encourage farmers to shift away from burning.
2. Explain the significance of the Chief Minister Kisan Kalyan Scheme in promoting sustainable agriculture in Madhya Pradesh.
- The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to eligible farmers, supporting their financial stability and agricultural productivity.
- By linking benefits to sustainable practices, it discourages harmful practices like stubble burning.
- The financial assistance helps farmers invest in eco-friendly technologies and practices.
- Encouraging sustainable agriculture can lead to improved soil health and long-term agricultural resilience.
- As of March 2025, approximately 85 lakh farmers benefit, indicating its widespread impact on the farming community.
3. What are the socio-economic consequences of air pollution caused by stubble burning? Discuss with suitable examples.
- Air pollution from stubble burning leads to health issues, including respiratory problems, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Increased healthcare costs burden families and the economy, reducing disposable income for farmers.
- Poor air quality can deter tourism and affect local businesses, impacting the economy further.
- Example – In Delhi, stubble burning in neighboring states exacerbates air quality crises, affecting millions with health advisories.
- Long-term impacts include decreased agricultural productivity due to health issues among farmers and labor shortages.
4. What is the role of government policies in addressing agricultural practices? How do they impact farmer behaviour and environmental sustainability?
- Government policies can enforce regulations, such as bans on stubble burning, to promote environmental sustainability.
- Subsidies and financial assistance encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices instead of harmful ones.
- Policies can provide education and resources for sustainable farming techniques, improving overall agricultural practices.
- By linking financial benefits to compliance with environmental regulations, farmer behavior can shift towards sustainability.
- Effective policies lead to improved environmental outcomes, enhancing soil health and reducing pollution levels.
