Curb Straw Burning, State Support for Farmers in Punjab, Haryana
Farmers in Punjab and Haryana are receiving significant state support to curb the practice of straw burning, which is known to severely deteriorate air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas. Every year, the burning of paddy stubble, primarily in Punjab, contributes around 30% of the pre-winter air pollution in these regions. However, in 2023, both states have taken substantial measures to address this issue, including offering alternatives to burning and imposing penalties on those who continue the practice. The overall aim is to achieve a significant reduction in air pollution levels, particularly in the weeks leading up to winter.
The Impact of Paddy Stubble Burning on NCR Air Quality
The paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has long been identified as a key contributor to the seasonal spike in pollution levels in Delhi and its surrounding areas. During the winter months, the air quality in the NCR typically deteriorates to hazardous levels, with agricultural residue burning being responsible for about 30% of the air pollution. The practice involves setting fire to the straw left behind after the harvest of paddy, as it is seen as a quick and cost-effective method to clear the fields for the next crop, typically wheat.
In 2022 alone, Punjab contributed 64% of the total farm fires in northern India, with 36,663 such incidents reported. These fires release particulate matter and toxic gases into the atmosphere, leading to smog formation and severe respiratory problems in urban areas, especially the densely populated NCR.
State Initiatives to Stop Straw Burning
In an effort to address this environmental challenge, Punjab and Haryana have intensified their focus on providing farmers with alternatives to straw burning. The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has outlined a comprehensive plan to treat approximately 20 million tonnes (MT) of paddy stubble this season. According to Adarsh Pal Vij, Chairman of the PPCB, last year the state managed to utilize 15.86 MT of straw through a combination of industrial use and in-situ field management. This year, the target is to increase that figure to 19.52 MT.
In-Situ and Ex-Situ Solutions
The state governments of Punjab and Haryana are promoting both in-situ and ex-situ management techniques for handling paddy straw.
- In-Situ Management: This involves treating the straw directly in the field to facilitate its decomposition. Farmers are being encouraged to use specialized equipment such as the Super Seeder and Happy Seeder, which allow for sowing wheat without removing the paddy stubble, thereby reducing the need for burning.
- Ex-Situ Management: This option involves removing the straw from the field for use in other industries. Paddy straw can be repurposed as animal feed, used as fuel in biomass power plants, or processed for industrial use in manufacturing. Ex-situ management not only provides an eco-friendly alternative but also creates economic opportunities for farmers.
These measures are designed to minimize the environmental impact of stubble burning while also addressing the logistical concerns of farmers who rely on clearing their fields quickly.
Enforcement Measures: Fines, FIRs, and ‘Red Entries’
In addition to offering alternatives, both Punjab and Haryana have introduced enforcement mechanisms to discourage farmers from continuing the harmful practice of straw burning. Farmers who are found burning stubble are subject to fines, the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs), and even ‘red entries’ in official agricultural records.
What is a Red Entry?
A ‘red entry’ is a formal notation in a farmer’s revenue or land record, indicating non-compliance with environmental regulations. In Punjab and Haryana, this can prevent farmers from accessing government support and subsidies. It can also restrict them from selling their produce in local markets through official platforms, such as Haryana’s e-kharid portal, for the next two seasons. By cutting off access to these critical resources, the state governments are putting pressure on farmers to adopt sustainable practices.
As of October 20, 2023, 383 and 368 cases of red entries have been recorded in Punjab and Haryana, respectively. These enforcement measures signal a strong commitment by the state governments to curbing stubble burning.
Decline in Stubble Burning Events: A Positive Trend
The efforts to control stubble burning have already started to show positive results. According to official data, the total number of stubble burning incidents in Punjab dropped significantly between 2021 and 2023. In 2021, there were 71,304 reported cases of stubble burning in the state, compared to 36,663 in 2023 — a 59% reduction. Haryana, too, reported a 67% decline in fire events over the past two years.
This decline can be attributed to a combination of stricter enforcement, increased awareness among farmers, and the availability of alternative solutions. By continuing these efforts, the state governments aim to eliminate stubble burning altogether within the next few years.
Despite the progress, there are still several challenges to be addressed. Stubble burning peaks in early November, and it remains to be seen whether the initiatives taken by the state governments will be enough to further reduce the number of incidents this year. Monitoring systems such as the Consortium for Research on Agro-ecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) are being used to track farm fire events in real time, providing vital data to state agencies.
Additionally, there is a need for continued investment in infrastructure and technology to make sustainable alternatives more accessible to farmers. While in-situ and ex-situ management options exist, their widespread adoption depends on factors like the availability of equipment, financial incentives, and effective communication campaigns.
The steps taken by Punjab and Haryana to address the issue of straw burning represent a significant move towards improving air quality in the NCR and northern India. With state support, enforcement measures, and alternative solutions, the number of stubble burning events has already shown a marked decline. However, continued efforts are needed to fully eliminate the practice and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for the millions of people affected by seasonal air pollution.
In the coming years, the success of these initiatives will hinge on the continued collaboration between farmers, state governments, and environmental agencies to make sustainable farming practices the norm. If the current trend continues, the future looks promising for cleaner air in the region.
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