Stubble burning is a pressing environmental issue that takes centre stage every year in North India. You may have heard about it in the news, especially during the winter months, as cities like Delhi and Chandigarh grapple with smog and air quality plummets. But what exactly is stubble burning, and why does it cause such a massive spike in air pollution?
In this article, we break down stubble burning in simple terms, explain its impact on air quality, and explore potential solutions.
WATCH | North India Air Pollution Crises | Stubble Burning | Major Cause of Air Pollution
What is Stubble Burning?
Stubble burning refers to the practice where farmers set fire to the leftover crop residue (stubble) in their fields after harvesting. This residue, which mostly consists of dry straw and stalks, is burned to clear the field quickly for the next planting season, usually for crops like wheat and rice.
Why Do Farmers Burn Stubble?
Farmers resort to stubble burning for a variety of reasons:
- Cost-Effective: It is the cheapest and fastest way to clear fields.
- Time-Saving: With only a short window between harvesting rice and sowing wheat, burning stubble allows farmers to prepare the land quickly.
- Lack of Resources: Many farmers lack access to advanced machinery like happy seeders or mulchers, which can manage stubble without burning it.
- Soil Preparation: Burning residue clears weeds and pests temporarily, aiding in soil preparation for the next crop.
How is Stubble Burning Done?
Stubble burning is typically performed in three steps:
- Harvesting: After the main crops (such as rice) are harvested, stubble remains in the fields.
- Ignition: Farmers set fire to this dry residue in controlled patches.
- Spreading: The fire spreads quickly across the field, burning the stubble completely.
This process is widely practised in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
ALSO READ | Boost Your Corn Farming Success: Avoid Common Mistakes and Maximize Yields
Impact of Stubble Burning on Air Pollution
Stubble burning contributes significantly to air pollution in North India. Here’s a breakdown of how it impacts the environment and our health:
1. Release of Harmful Particulates
- Burning stubble releases PM2.5 and PM10 particles (fine particulate matter) into the air. These particles are small enough to enter our lungs and bloodstream, causing serious health issues.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Stubble burning emits large amounts of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases contribute to global warming.
3. Formation of Smog
- The smoke from burning fields mixes with moisture and pollutants in the air, forming a dense smog. This smog reduces visibility and worsens air quality in cities like Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram.
4. Health Hazards
- Air pollution from stubble burning can lead to:
- Respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
- Eye irritation and allergic reactions.
- Heart problems and increased risk of strokes.
- Impact on children and the elderly who are more vulnerable to air pollution.
5. Impact on Soil Health
- While it may seem like an effective solution for clearing fields, burning stubble depletes essential nutrients in the soil, leading to long-term damage and reduced fertility.
How Stubble Burning Affects the Air Quality Index (AQI)
The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures how clean or polluted the air is. During the stubble-burning season, AQI levels in North India often rise to alarming levels. Here’s what AQI categories typically look like:
- Good (0-50): Safe for all.
- Moderate (51-100): Acceptable air quality.
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): Some risks for vulnerable individuals.
- Unhealthy (151-200): Everyone may experience health effects.
- Very Unhealthy (201-300): Serious health risks for all.
- Hazardous (300+): Emergency conditions with severe health impacts.
In cities like Delhi, AQI can reach 400-500 or higher during the peak of stubble-burning season, putting millions at risk.
ALSO READ | 10 Career opportunities in sustainable farming
Why is Stubble Burning More Prominent in North India?
Several factors make stubble burning a recurrent issue in North India:
- Intensive Agriculture: The “Green Revolution” led to extensive cultivation of rice and wheat, making North India a farming hub.
- Short Harvesting Window: Farmers have limited time between rice harvesting (October) and wheat sowing (November).
- Geography: The geography of the Indo-Gangetic Plain traps pollutants, worsening air quality.
- Policy Gaps: Despite regulations, enforcement of anti-burning policies remains weak.
Solutions to Curb Stubble Burning
Addressing stubble burning requires collective efforts fr(Source – Freepik)om the government, farmers, and the community. Here are some potential solutions:
1. Happy Seeders
- Happy seeders are machines that sow seeds while cutting and spreading stubble on the field. This eliminates the need to burn residue.
2. Subsidies and Incentives
- Providing subsidies for machinery and offering financial incentives to farmers who avoid burning can be effective.
3. Crop Diversification
- Encouraging farmers to grow crops other than rice, such as millets or pulses, can reduce the need for burning.
4. Biodegradable Solutions
- Promoting the use of bio-decomposers (natural agents that break down stubble) can help manage residue without burning.
5. Awareness Campaigns
- Educating farmers about the health and environmental risks of stubble burning can lead to behavioural changes.
Stubble burning is a significant cause of air pollution in North India, with far-reaching impacts on health, environment, and soil quality. While the issue seems complex, solutions like improved machinery, incentives, and education can help curb this practice. As citizens, understanding the problem and advocating for cleaner practices can contribute to a healthier future.
Download the ffreedom app to access expert-led courses on farming and agriculture. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube Farming channel for regular updates, practical tips, and insights to boost your farming journey!
