India faces a persistent environmental and public health challenge due to the widespread practice of stubble burning. Madhya Pradesh has recently overtaken Punjab as the leading state in crop-residue burning. This disturbing trend, driven by increased mechanization and expanding paddy cultivation, calls for immediate attention to mitigate its detrimental effects on air quality, soil health, and the broader ecosystem.Key contributors are rice (43%), wheat (21%), sugarcane (19%), and oilseed crops (5%).
Table 1: State-wise stubble burning report (September 15, 2024 – November 30, 2024)
Farmers often burn these residues, especially in Punjab and Haryana, to quickly prepare fields for the next crop. The Indo-Gangetic plains, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have traditionally been hotspots for this practice due to the short window between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat. This practice, particularly of burning rice stubble releases harmful greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, CO, N2O) and toxic compounds, contributing to severe air pollution, including Delhi’s high AQI(Air Quality Index).
Stubble (parali) burning adversely affects human and animal health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, skin irritation, and even cancer, while also reducing soil fertility and contributing to climate change. Although crop residues can be used as fodder, fuel, and raw materials for various industries, 92 million tons are burned annually in India, threatening environmental and economic stability. Sustainable alternatives like soil incorporation can improve fertility and carbon sequestration but require affordable solutions for wider adoption. Addressing this issue is crucial, not only for India but globally, due to its environmental and societal impacts.
Mechanized harvesting, which leaves behind significant crop residues, has exacerbated the issue. In the absence of affordable alternatives for residue management, farmers opt for burning, a cost-effective yet environmentally damaging method.
Problems Due to Stubble Burning
Stubble burning releases large amounts of greenhouse gases including CO₂, CH₄, CO, and N₂O, alongside particulate matter and carcinogenic aerosols. This contributes to air pollution, smog formation, and high AQI levels, particularly impacting cities like Delhi. The released emissions significantly exceed recommended safety levels, worsening respiratory disorders and other health conditions. Secondly burning stubble results in the loss of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. For every ton of rice straw burned, substantial amounts of valuable micronutrients are released into the atmosphere reducing soil productivity.
Stubble burning harms soil health by destroying beneficial microbes and depleting moisture, making crops more susceptible to pests. It also releases harmful pollutants like sulphur oxides and particulate matter, worsening air quality and causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially in children.
Alternative Uses for Rice Stubble
Table 2: Power generation potential of crop stubble in South Asian countries (Rahman and Paatero,2012)
| COUNTRY | Theermal energy potential from generated crop stubble(PJ/annum) | Electricity generation potential(TWh/annum) |
| India | 1570 | 113 |
| Pakistan | 282 | 20.4 |
| Bangladesh | 230 | 16.7 |
| Nepal | 53 | 3.83 |
| Sri-Lanka | 22 | 1.56 |
Incentives to Farmers/Government schemes and policies
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
Introduced in August 2007, RKVY provided additional central assistance to state plans. In Uttar Pradesh, training programs were set up to help farmers produce biocompost and convert agricultural waste, leading to financial rewards for those participating. - NTPC Crop Residue Scheme:
The government encouraged National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to mix about 10% crop residue with coal for power generation. Farmers received Rs. 5,500 per tonne of crop residue used. - Subsidy for Mechanization (2018):
A subsidy of USD 166 million was introduced to promote agricultural mechanization, including the use of machines for in-situ crop residue management in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. The program aimed to cover 0.8 million hectares of land using tools like happy seeders and zero tillage. - Punjab Government Subsidy (2023-24):
Punjab allocated Rs. 665 crores to provide 50% subsidies for individual farmers and 80% subsidies for cooperative groups to purchase straw management machinery, like rotavators and happy seeders. Despite this, the cost of machinery remained high, making burning an appealing alternative. - Haryana Government Incentive (2023-24):
Haryana launched a scheme offering Rs. 1,000 per acre for both in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management. This was part of a broader effort to encourage farmers to adopt cleaner alternatives to stubble burning. - Tractors with Happy Seeders:
The Punjab government provided 2,400 tractors equipped with happy seeders, designed to sow wheat seeds and simultaneously trim paddy stubbles. However, these were not readily available or suitable for all regions.
Stringent Laws and Enforcement
To discourage stubble burning, the government enforced several regulations, including those under the Air Prevention and Control of Pollution Act, 1981, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Despite the strict laws, many farmers continue to burn stubble, believing that paying fines is cheaper than adopting alternative methods. As a result, stricter monitoring and enforcement are needed to tackle this issue, with potential increases in penalties and imprisonment.
Conclusion
A record 5,783 FIRs were registered against farmers for stubble burning this season, which is five times more than last year’s figure, as per the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) data. According to a report by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) Pune from November 2 to November 12, this contribution of farm residual burning stabilized at an average of 18–20 percent of total air pollution of Delhi. Stubble burning in India urgently needs a shift in agricultural practices for environmental sustainability. While technological innovations and policies reduce the practices, continuous crop residue burning increases the issue’s complexity. Farmers should use anti-pollution equipment like ‘happy seeder’ or ‘paddy chopper’. Lack of awareness and limited access to effective alternatives are the main barriers. Solutions like residue management technologies, community engagement, and stronger enforcement of environmental laws are needed to address this crisis. Also, government and private sector collaboration should be there to create effective market linkages for crop residues so that farmers view them as resources rather than waste., India can reduce the detrimental effects of stubble burning by creating a culture of sustainability, using cleaner technologies, and giving farmers education and resources. A healthy environment and good public health can become a reality with innovative strategies and collective actions.
Sources:
https://www.business-standard.com/about/what-is-stubble-burning
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666765720300119
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