Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to crop residue after the harvest season, has a devastating impact on the environment and human health. It is a major contributor to air pollution in India, particularly in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The sudden drop in Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi during the winter season can be attributed to stubble burning. Stubble burning has become a nuisance and the government has to take concrete steps, we will explore how the government can help stop stubble burning and mitigate its effects.
Financial Incentives
One of the most effective ways to stop stubble burning is by providing financial incentives to farmers to encourage them to adopt alternative methods of crop residue management. The government can offer subsidies or cash incentives to farmers to purchase machineries such as happy seeders, mulchers, and rotavators, which can help them manage crop residue effectively. For instance, under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, farmers are eligible for subsidies of up to 50% for purchasing farm machinery, including crop residue management equipment.
Research and Development
Investing in research and development can help find more effective and affordable technologies for crop residue management. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed a new variety of paddy that decomposes rapidly, reducing the amount of residue that needs to be managed. Similarly, the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) has developed a range of low-cost technologies for crop residue management, such as the straw chopper and the rotary slasher, which can help farmers manage crop residue more effectively.
Farmer Training Programs
The government can establish farmer training programs to educate them about the benefits of sustainable crop residue management practices and how to implement them. For instance, the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI) has launched a program to train farmers in using crop residue management equipment and techniques. The government can also collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities to promote sustainable agriculture practices and provide technical support to farmers.
Enforcing Penalties
Finally, the government can enforce strict penalties for stubble burning, such as fines or legal action, to discourage farmers from engaging in this practice. Stubble burning is one of the major contributors to Delhi's severe air pollution, especially during winter, which needs a multi-pronged approach, penalizing stubble burning can be a good curative step to discourage the activity.
Stopping stubble burning requires a concerted effort from the government, farmers, NGOs, and other stakeholders. By providing financial incentives, investing in research and development, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and enforcing penalties, the government can help farmers transition to more sustainable methods of crop residue management and reduce air pollution in the region.