Tackling Stubble Burning: Role of the Supreme Court of India and Sustainable Solutions
A front-page article in The Hindu (September 25, 2024), titled “‘We Want Answers’: Apex Court Seeks Report on Stubble Burning from Panel on Air Quality,” reports that the Supreme Court requested a report from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on stubble burning, following concerns from senior advocate Anitha Shenoy. In November 2023, the court ordered several states to halt stubble burning to protect public health. This essay supports the Court’s involvement but stresses the need for technological, financial, and policy solutions.
Introduction
Stubble burning is a widespread environmental problem, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India. It occurs when farmers burn leftover straw from harvested crops, particularly rice. This practice produces thick smoke that pollutes the air, especially during the winter season. It is common in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, where rice harvesting is followed by wheat sowing, leaving a very short window for field preparation. Despite the well-known harm it causes, farmers continue to burn stubble due to time constraints, lack of workers, and the high cost of alternative methods. The Supreme Court of India has actively intervened, directing government authorities to take action to control stubble burning. However, addressing this issue requires more than just legal actions—it also demands a combination of technological, financial, and policy solutions, along with sustainable practices that provide viable alternatives for farmers.
What is Stubble Burning?
Stubble burning refers to the practice of setting fire to the leftover straw or stubble after the rice harvest. It is a popular method among farmers because it is quick and cost-effective. Once the rice is harvested, farmers are left with large quantities of straw that need to be cleared quickly to prepare for the next crop, typically wheat. Burning the stubble releases pollutants like PM2.5 particles, carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that contribute significantly to air pollution, especially in urban areas like Delhi.
Supreme Court’s Role
Recognising the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court has intervened to mitigate stubble burning, issuing orders to protect public health and improve air quality. The Court has held government bodies like the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) accountable for their efforts to reduce stubble burning. Setting deadlines and regularly monitoring these efforts ensures progress on the ground.
One notable suggestion by the Supreme Court is withholding the Minimum Support Price (MSP) from farmers who continue stubble burning. This proposal highlights the Court’s understanding of farmers’ economic pressures, urging them to adopt sustainable practices such as converting stubble into biofuel or compost. The Court has emphasised that environmental protection is a shared responsibility and has encouraged farmers to switch to sustainable methods.
The Environmental and Health Impact of Stubble Burning
The smoke from stubble burning contributes significantly to severe air pollution in northern India, especially during winter. Cold air traps pollutants close to the ground, leading to the formation of smog, a combination of smoke and fog. This smog drastically reduces air quality, making breathing difficult and increasing the risk of respiratory diseases, lung issues, and heart conditions.
Moreover, burning stubble damages the soil by reducing its fertility. The intense heat from burning depletes essential soil nutrients, forcing farmers to rely on chemical fertilizers, which have long-term harmful effects on soil health. The greenhouse gases released contribute to climate change, making the environmental impact even worse.
Why Do Farmers Burn Stubble?
Farmers resort to burning stubble mainly due to the tight time frame between rice harvesting and wheat sowing, typically around 10 to 15 days. They need to clear their fields quickly, and burning is the fastest, cheapest option. Many farmers, especially smallholders, lack access to affordable alternatives, even though subsidies exist for eco-friendly machinery. Additionally, there is limited awareness about the long-term benefits of adopting sustainable practices.
Technological and Sustainable Solutions
Technological advancements can offer promising solutions to the problem of stubble burning. Machines like the Happy Seeder allow farmers to plant wheat directly into the leftover rice straw, eliminating the need to burn it. Bio-decomposers, developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), such as bio-decomposer sprays and PUSA decomposers, help break down the stubble into compost. This accelerates the conversion of stubble into organic material, enriching the soil and reducing turnaround times between crops.
Other than in-situ methods like using bio-decomposers and mulching, several ex-situ alternatives provide additional options for farmers to manage crop residue sustainably. Ex-situ utilisation involves collecting and using the crop residue outside the field. For example, crop residue can be collected and used in bioenergy production, which helps generate electricity, biogas, or bioethanol. Industries and power plants are already using paddy straw as a fuel to generate power.
Additionally, crop residue can be compressed into bales and used as fodder or fuel in various industries. Compressed straw-based briquettes or pellets are an eco-friendly alternative to burning. Furthermore, paddy straw can serve as a substrate for mushroom farming, providing farmers an additional source of income while preventing burning.
Agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Incorporating sustainable agricultural practices can also play a role in reducing stubble burning. For instance, agroforestry, which involves integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems, can help absorb excess carbon dioxide and provide additional benefits such as fuel, shade, and income. Trees act as a carbon sink, and their use in farming systems improves the overall sustainability of agriculture.
Another option is cover cropping, where farmers grow legumes or other crops between their main crop cycles. These cover crops enrich the soil with nutrients, control erosion, and reduce weed growth, which can make it easier for farmers to manage their fields without burning.
Composting and Organic Farming
Another sustainable option is composting, which involves converting crop residue into organic compost rather than burning it. Composting not only reduces pollution but also improves soil health by adding organic matter. Promoting organic farming practices and composting can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability.
Circular Economy Solutions
To further reduce stubble burning, the concept of a circular economy can be employed, where waste products are reused or repurposed. For example, crop residues can be used to produce packaging materials like biodegradable plates, cups, and bags. These eco-friendly alternatives are increasingly in demand, and farmers could benefit financially by selling stubble to industries producing such sustainable products. Besides, crop residue can be used in the construction industry. Straw-based boards for construction and insulation create a market for straw, offering farmers another outlet to sell their stubble rather than burning it.
Farmer Training and Awareness Programs
Educating farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning and the benefits of alternative methods is essential. Farmer training programs can teach sustainable methods like mulching, composting, and using advanced machinery. Community programs and government-led initiatives could demonstrate the benefits of these practices, making it easier for farmers to adopt them.
Collaborative Solutions with the Private Sector
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) can play a vital role in addressing the problem. Collaborations between the government, private companies, and farmers could lead to innovations in sustainable farming practices. For example, the private sector can help develop infrastructure for the collection and transportation of crop residue, invest in biofuel plants, or provide technological solutions like better machinery for farmers.
Establishing farmer cooperatives can also help small farmers pool resources and access advanced machinery like the Happy Seeder at a lower cost, reducing the financial burden on individual farmers.
Government Incentives and Policy Support
Finally, government policies must continue to support farmers in their transition to sustainable practices. Introducing a carbon credit system where farmers earn credits for not burning stubble could offer an additional income stream while promoting environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, subsidies for green technologies such as bio-decomposers, eco-friendly farming equipment, and renewable energy solutions like biogas plants would encourage wider adoption of sustainable alternatives.
Conclusion
While the problem of stubble burning persists in Northern India, numerous sustainable practices and technological solutions can mitigate its environmental impact. By adopting a combination of in-situ and ex-situ residue management techniques, using bio-decomposers, promoting crop diversification, and enhancing farmer awareness, the issue can be addressed in a way that benefits both farmers and the environment. Collaborative efforts between farmers, the government, private companies, and the judiciary, combined with financial incentives and policy support, are essential for the long-term success of these solutions. Only with sustained effort can we hope to reduce air pollution, improve soil health, and eliminate stubble burning for a healthier, more sustainable future.
