Answer

The mechanisation of agriculture in India, driven by the adoption of advanced harvesting machines, has significantly transformed farming practices. However, it has also contributed to stubble burning, particularly in rice-producing states, leading to severe environmental challenges. Mechanised harvesting leaves behind stubble that must be cleared for the next crop, often leading to the burning of this residue due to time and cost constraints.

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Mechanisation of Agriculture has Led to Increased Stubble Burning in India

• Residue Left by Combine Harvesters: Machines like combine harvesters, while efficient in harvesting, leave a significant amount of crop residue. Farmers, pressed for time, often resort to stubble burning to clear fields for the next crop cycle.
  For example: In Punjab and Haryana, where paddy residue is left post-harvest, stubble burning increases in October.
• Short Time Between Crop Cycles: Mechanised farming accelerates harvesting, but leaves little time for natural decomposition of stubble before the next sowing season, making burning the quickest option.
  For instance: After the paddy harvest, farmers prepare for wheat planting within weeks, prompting residue burning.
• High Costs of Alternative Methods: Mechanised alternatives are available, but their cost limits widespread adoption, making burning a more accessible choice for many small farmers.
  For example: A happy seeder costs between ₹1-1.5 lakh, making it unaffordable for marginal farmers without subsidies.
• Lack of Adequate Support and Awareness: Mechanisation has not been matched by training and subsidies for eco-friendly residue management techniques, resulting in a heavy dependence on stubble burning.
  For instance: Farmers report insufficient guidance on using alternatives like mulching due to limited extension services.
• Pressure for High Productivity: The emphasis on rapid crop turnover to meet high productivity targets encourages practices like burning stubble to save time and maintain yield levels.
  For instance: In high-output states, such as Haryana, the urgency for rapid preparation for the next crop often leads to stubble burning.

Challenges Associated with Mechanised Harvesting for Farmers

• High Cost of Mechanised Equipment: Advanced machines require significant investment, often unaffordable for smallholders, forcing them into rental options or seeking cheaper solutions like stubble burning.
  For instance: Many small-scale farmers cannot afford combine harvesters or happy seeders, despite mechanisation incentives.
• Limited Access to Subsidies and Support: Government subsidies for mechanised farming equipment are limited and competitive, making it challenging for farmers to obtain necessary resources for sustainable farming.
  For example: In Punjab, farmers face bureaucratic delays and limited quota for subsidised happy seeders, affecting adoption rates.
• Dependency on Hired Machinery: Small farmers who cannot buy equipment often rely on seasonal rentals, facing high costs and availability issues that make sustainable stubble management difficult.
  For instance: Rental services spike during harvest, pushing smallholders toward faster methods like burning for timely crop cycles.
• Technical Challenges in Equipment Handling: Complex machines like happy seeders require technical expertise, which many farmers lack, deterring the adoption of eco-friendly mechanised alternatives.
  For instance: Training programs are scarce, leaving farmers untrained in operating sophisticated equipment for stubble management.
• Lack of Suitable Infrastructure for Residue Disposal: With limited access to biomass processing units or composting facilities, farmers face challenges in disposing of crop residue sustainably.
  For instance: The absence of straw collection centres means that farmers often opt for burning as the most accessible disposal method.

Mechanised Harvesting Contribute to Environmental Degradation

• Air Pollution from Stubble Burning: Burning residue releases toxic gases, contributing to poor air quality and health risks in surrounding areas.
  For example: During peak stubble burning season, Delhi experiences severe air quality index (AQI) deterioration due to rise in gases like carbon monoxide and methane.
• Soil Degradation Due to Residue Burning: Stubble burning depletes soil organic matter and microbial activity, reducing soil fertility and productivity over time.
  For example: Punjab’s soil organic carbon levels have been declining, affecting crop yield and sustainability.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Residue burning contributes to carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions, which are significant greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change.
  For instance: Stubble burning across North India annually emits over 13 million tonnes of CO2, impacting global warming.
• Loss of Biodiversity in Agricultural Fields: Burning stubble destroys the habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms and pollinators, which play essential roles in maintaining agricultural ecosystems.
  For instance: Studies show that regular burning reduces earthworm populations, affecting soil aeration and nutrient cycling.
• Water Pollution: Ash particles from burning stubble can settle in water bodies, leading to contamination and affecting aquatic life.
  For instance: Stubble burning residue has been detected in nearby rivers, impacting water quality for agricultural and human consumption.

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Way Forward

• Promote Affordable Mechanisation Alternatives: Increase subsidies and incentives for eco-friendly machines like happy seeders and rotavators to ensure wider accessibility for small farmers.
  For instance: The Central Government’s initiative to subsidise happy seeders should be expanded to cover a broader farmer base.
• Enhance Farmer Training Programs: Conduct regular training sessions for farmers on effective residue management and mechanised equipment handling, ensuring sustainable practices.
  For instance: Government-led workshops have shown positive results in Haryana, reducing burning incidents.
• Develop Biomass-Based Industry: Invest in biomass processing units that can convert stubble into fuel or fertiliser, creating an economically viable residue disposal method.
  For example: Punjab’s pilot biomass plants are using stubble to produce bio-energy, reducing the need for burning.
• Encourage Crop Diversification: Promote crops with less stubble residue like legumes, encouraging farmers to shift from water-intensive paddy.
• Strengthen Monitoring and Penalty Systems: Implement stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms against stubble burning while providing incentives for adopting sustainable practices.
  For example: Punjab’s real-time stubble burning monitoring system has successfully reduced burning rates through fines and incentives.

The mechanisation of agriculture in India, while advancing productivity, has intensified issues like stubble burning and environmental degradation. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable alternatives, robust training, and incentives for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices. By combining technological support with awareness and regulatory measures, India can make strides toward environmentally sustainable agriculture that aligns with climate goals and reduces pollution.

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