Answer:

Introduction:

Paddy cultivation in Punjab and Haryana, significantly bolstered by government subsidies, has been a major contributor to the agricultural economy of these regions. However, this has led to unintended environmental consequences, most notably air pollution due to stubble burning, severely impacting air quality in neighbouring areas like Delhi.

Body:

Role of Subsidies in Paddy Cultivation:

• Government subsidies, including Minimum Support Price (MSP) and subsidized inputs like water and electricity, have made paddy cultivation highly lucrative in Punjab and Haryana. This has led to an increase in paddy acreage, often at the expense of crop diversity.
• The resultant practice of stubble burning, a method to quickly clear fields for the next crop, significantly contributes to air pollution. As per reports, stubble burning accounted for over 37% of Delhi’s air pollution, as indicated on November 7 in the Decision Support System for air quality management.

Environmental Impact:

• The environmental impact of these subsidies extends beyond air pollution. Intensive paddy cultivation has led to overexploitation of water resources, causing a decline in groundwater levels and soil health issues.
• Stubble burning releases harmful pollutants like PM 2.5, adversely affecting air quality and public health in neighboring regions, especially Delhi, as highlighted by the Supreme Court.

Strategies for Shifting to Sustainable Crops:

• Redirecting subsidies towards more environmentally friendly crops like millets and pulses can incentivize farmers to diversify their crop patterns. These crops require less water and are less prone to requiring stubble burning post-harvest.
• Implementing crop residue management techniques and providing financial and technical support for such practices can reduce the reliance on stubble burning.
• Promoting awareness and education among farmers about the environmental and health impacts of stubble burning and the benefits of crop diversification is crucial.

Conclusion:

The role of subsidies in promoting paddy cultivation in Punjab and Haryana has had significant environmental repercussions, notably contributing to severe air pollution issues in Delhi. A strategic shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, including the cultivation of millets and pulses, supported by redirected subsidies and effective crop residue management, is imperative. Such a transition not only addresses the urgent environmental concerns but also ensures the long-term sustainability and health of the agricultural sector and the wider region.