Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to crop residues after harvesting, has been a major environmental concern in North India for decades. The states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, which make up the "breadbasket" of India, are particularly affected by this issue. The practice, where farmers set fire to leftover crop residues (mainly rice straw) after the harvest season, has led to severe air pollution, impacting millions in India and even neighboring countries. Despite various efforts by government and environmental bodies, this practice continues each year, contributing to an alarming rise in particulate pollution, especially in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). However, by understanding the reasons behind stubble burning and exploring sustainable alternatives, we can address this recurring issue while supporting the farming community.

The Problem of Stubble Burning in India

Stubble burning is a widespread practice among farmers in North India, primarily due to the tight turnaround between the harvesting of one crop and the sowing of the next. It was estimated that about 352 Mt of stubble is generated each year in India out of which 22% and 34% are contributed by wheat and rice stubble respectively. About 84 Mt (23.86%) of the stubble is burnt on-field each year immediately after harvest. As many as 872 fire counts were reported from September 15 to October 13 in Punjab this year itself. There is also a notable surge in farm fires in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh, in particular, has surpassed Punjab in the total number of farm fire cases this season, crossing the 10,000 mark. Punjab remains the highest contributor, with 4,394 cases, followed by Madhya Pradesh with 2,875 out of the total 10,693 incidents.

According to a report by the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas, the total amount of crop residue generated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan is estimated to be around 23 million tons per year, of which an estimated 9-10 million tons is burnt in the fields.

The smoke from stubble burning contains a cocktail of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide, and various toxic substances. This pollution not only degrades air quality in the immediate vicinity but also contributes to the haze that envelops the entire region, reaching as far as the national capital, New Delhi.

Data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) shows that stubble burning is a significant contributor to air pollution in North India. During the peak stubble burning season in October-November, the levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air can increase by up to 20 times the safe limits set by the World Health Organization.

The health impacts of this air pollution are significant. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimates that stubble burning is responsible for around 10,000 premature deaths in North India every year.

Additionally, the environmental impact of stubble burning is substantial, as it destroys valuable organic matter in the soil, reduces soil fertility, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the IARI, stubble burning in North India is responsible for the emission of around 9.8 million tons of carbon dioxide, 59,000 tons of particulate matter, 12,000 tons of carbon monoxide, and 1,500 tons of oxides of nitrogen every year.

Why Do Farmers Practice Stubble Burning?

While stubble burning has its obvious disadvantages, understanding why farmers continue with it is essential. The main reasons are:

• Time Constraints: Due to the short window between the harvesting of rice and the sowing of wheat, farmers have little time to clear their fields. Burning is seen as the quickest way to manage this residue.
• Economic Constraints: Most farmers in these regions are small landholders with limited financial resources. Mechanized alternatives to stubble burning are often costly, making them inaccessible to many.
• Lack of Awareness: While education on environmental issues has increased, many farmers remain unaware of the long-term consequences of stubble burning or the available sustainable alternatives.
• Scarcity of Labor: Labor shortages during peak season add another layer of difficulty, making it more challenging to manage stubble manually.

Exploring Alternative Solutions for Stubble Management

To encourage a shift away from stubble burning, alternatives need to be feasible, affordable, and practical for farmers. Here are some promising solutions:

1. Mechanized Stubble Management: One of the most effective solutions is the use of specialized agricultural machinery, such as the Happy Seeder, the Rotavator, and the Baler. These machines can collect, shred, or incorporate the crop residues directly into the soil, without the need for burning. This not only prevents air pollution but also helps to retain the valuable organic matter in the soil, improving its fertility and water-holding capacity.

The Happy Seeder is a tractor-mounted machine that cuts, lifts, and deposits the paddy stubble to create a mulched soil bed for the next crop, mainly wheat. The machine enables farmers to directly sow wheat seeds in fields covered with rice residue, eliminating the need to burn it. Although initially expensive, subsidies from the government have helped make it more accessible.

2. Use of Crop Residue for Bioenergy: Crop residues can be transformed into biofuel and biogas, offering a sustainable energy source. The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has launched programs to procure crop residue pellets to use as an alternative fuel in power plants. farmers can sell their crop residues to be processed into fuels like bioethanol or biodiesel. This not only provides an alternative income stream for farmers & reduces the overall burden of stubble management. This also provides an additional income stream for farmers.

3. Composting and Soil Enrichment: Converting crop residue into compost or vermicompost can improve soil health by adding organic matter and essential nutrients. Several organizations and NGOs are working to educate farmers on composting techniques that can be done on-site. In-situ decomposition using microbial solutions like PUSA decomposer has also shown promise, as it accelerates the breakdown of stubble, converting it into organic manure in just a few weeks.

4. Baling Machines: Baling machines are designed to collect stubble and bundle it into bales, which can then be sold for alternative uses such as animal feed, fuel for biomass plants, or even raw material for industries like paper and pulp. This mechanized solution, although initially expensive, can be highly effective, especially when farmers cooperate through collectives to share the costs.

5. Crop Diversification: Encouraging crop diversification can also help mitigate the issue of stubble burning. By introducing alternative crops with different harvesting seasons, the temporal gap between the harvesting of one crop and the sowing of the next can be increased, reducing the pressure on farmers to quickly clear their fields.

 For example, Shifting away from rice to less water-intensive and faster-growing crops like pulses or millets could help reduce the volume of stubble that needs disposal. Crop diversification, however, would require policy support, market access, and a transition period for farmers, which may be a gradual process.

Policy and Support from the Government

The Indian government, recognizing the urgency of addressing stubble burning, has rolled out several schemes and incentives. For instance, the “Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization” (SMAM) provides subsidies on agricultural equipment like Happy Seeders, Super Straw Management Systems, and mulchers. Additionally, the government has promoted the use of bio-decomposers in Delhi and surrounding areas, aiming to convert crop residue into useful organic matter.

Recently, The Union government has issued new rules doubling fines for stubble burning to up to ₹30,000 based on the farm areas. Incentives for Farmers: To encourage the adoption of these alternatives, governments can provide subsidies or financial incentives for machinery, infrastructure, and training. Farmers could also receive cash incentives for not burning stubble, offsetting potential income losses during the transition phase.

At the state level, Punjab and Haryana have implemented policies to incentivize the non-burning of stubble by offering subsidies on alternative technologies. They also aim to spread awareness through farmer training programs and campaigns to promote sustainable agriculture practices. However, a more robust implementation of policies, better coordination between states, and continued financial support are essential for lasting change.

Educating and Empowering Farmers

Beyond government policy, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), environmental activists, and agricultural universities are playing critical roles in educating farmers on the adverse effects of stubble burning and alternative solutions. Conducting workshops, spreading awareness through social media, and collaborating with farmers to demonstrate sustainable practices have shown promising results. Farmers need continuous support and training to adapt to new methods, especially in areas with low literacy rates.

Role of Technology and Innovation

Innovations in agritech can further help reduce stubble burning. Startups are developing AI-driven tools to analyze soil health, predict optimal harvesting times, and suggest sustainable residue management methods. Blockchain technology also has the potential to track crop residue use and incentivize eco-friendly practices. For example, farmers could receive carbon credits for adopting sustainable practices, which could be traded for monetary benefits. Collaborations with tech companies, research institutions, and international environmental agencies can drive the adoption of such cutting-edge solutions.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Stubble burning in North India is a complex issue, rooted in socio-economic and logistical challenges that require a coordinated and compassionate approach. While the alternatives to stubble burning are promising, they demand systemic changes, from policy shifts and financial support to continuous education and technological innovation. Solving this issue will involve a collective effort from farmers, government bodies, and society at large. If supported adequately, farmers can be the front-runners in transforming North India's agricultural landscape toward a more sustainable future.

References

https://www.cropin.com/blogs/stubble-burning-associated-risks-and-possible-new-generation-alternatives

https://www.drishtiias.com/daily-news-editorials/alternative-to-crop-stubble-burning

https://www.hcltech.com/trends-and-insights/five-sustainable-ways-avoid-crop-burning

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/madhya-pradesh-overtakes-punjab-stubble-burning-haryana-uttar-pradesh-air-pollution-2628807-2024-11-06

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765720300119#:~:text=About%2084%20Mt%20(23.86%25),periods%20(October%2DNovember).

https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/stubble-burning-fines-doubled-to-up-to-rs-30-000-based-on-farm-area-101730965364394.html