Weeks ahead of the onset of winter in India, both Punjab and Haryana have promised to “eliminate” stubble burning this year.

• The Supreme Court sought a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on incidents of stubble-burning and action taken against these occurrences.

About Stubble Burning

• It is a practice of removing agricultural waste from the field by setting on fire the straw stubble (parali) that is left on the land after harvesting of grains like paddy, wheat etc.
• It is mostly practised  in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to clear the fields for rabi crop sowing.

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Challenges 

• Air Pollution: Each year, air pollution levels rise and the AQI reaches a ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ level.
• Harmful Health Impacts: It emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), NH3, SO2, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). 
• Heat Penetration: Heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes
  • For instance, the heat from burning paddy straw penetrates 1 centimetre into the soil, elevating the temperature to around 400 Celsius.
• Soil Fertility: Burning husk on the ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.
• Global Warming: Greenhouse gases such as CO2, N2O, O3,etc are released during Stubble burning.

Methods to Eliminate Stubble Burning

• In-Situ Management: Utilising specialised machinery or bio chemicals  to manage crop residue directly in the field.
  • For example The Pusa decomposer is a microbial solution that helps break down crop stubble into manure.
• Ex-Situ Management: Transporting crop residue for alternative uses, such as composting or biogas production.
• Co-Firing: Converting paddy straw into pellets and using them as a fuel source in thermal power plants.
• Promotion of Alternative Crops: Encouraging farmers to adopt crop varieties that require less stubble removal.

Policy support from Central Government:The Government has revised the Crop Residue Management guidelines enabling efficient ex-situ management of paddy straw generated in the States of Punjab, Haryana, UP and Delhi.

• Techno-commercial pilot projects: Establishment of supply chains between farmers and industries.
• Financial assistance: Government support for machinery and equipment costs (up to 65%).
• Working capital: Joint funding by industry and beneficiary or through AIF(Agriculture Infrastructure Fund ), NABARD, or other financial institutions.
• Land arrangement: Beneficiary responsible for securing and preparing storage land.
• Project proposal-based support: Financial assistance for specific machinery and equipment.
• State government approval: Projects to be approved by project sanctioning committees.
• Industry contribution: Primary promoter contributes 25% of project cost.
• Farmer or group contribution: Direct beneficiary contributes 10% of project cost.

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Punjab, Haryana Commit to Eliminate Stubble Burning

• Government Commitment: The governments of Punjab and Haryana have pledged to eliminate stubble burning this winter.
• Action Plans: Both states have developed comprehensive action plans to manage crop residue through a combination of in-situ and ex-situ methods.
• Machinery and Support: Adequate machinery and support systems, including Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs), have been provided to farmers.

• Co-Firing Initiatives: Co-firing projects are being implemented in thermal power plants to utilise paddy straw as a fuel source

Challenges in Eliminating Stubble Burning

• Economic Incentives: Providing farmers with economic incentives to adopt alternative practices can be challenging due to budget constraints and administrative difficulties.
• Awareness Campaigns: Reaching out to all farmers in rural areas and ensuring effective communication can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
• Technological Limitations: The availability and affordability of suitable machinery for crop residue management can be a barrier for farmers.Social Resistance: Some farmers may resist adopting new practices due to traditional farming methods and cultural beliefs.

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Way Forward

• Comprehensive Policy Framework: Developing a comprehensive policy framework that addresses both economic and environmental concerns.
• Financial Assistance: Providing financial assistance to farmers for adopting alternative practices, such as stubble incorporation or baling.
• Community Engagement: Organizing community workshops and training programs to educate farmers about the benefits of sustainable practices.
• Strict Enforcement: Implementing strict enforcement measures to discourage stubble burning and hold violators accountable.