A Burning Issue: Tackling Agricultural Residue Fires in India

Recent sightings of stubble burning have been reported in Hoshiarpur region of Punjab. Stubble burning is a recurring annual problem in the northern Indian states of Punjab, Haryana and UP, which are major wheat and paddy producers. As per the ICAR data, these three states generate around 23 million tonnes of crop residue every year. This occurrence is not only a major contributor to air pollution and climate change but also has negative impacts on soil health, agriculture productivity, and human health. Moreover, the burning of crop residues reduces soil fertility and microbial activity, and leads to soil erosion. This, in turn, affects agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of farmers. Additionally, the smoke from burning crop residues reduces visibility on roads, leading to accidents and other hazards. To address the problem of stubble burning, the Indian government and state govts has taken several measures such as 'PM-Ash scheme', providing financial incentives to farmers, setting up of 'happy seeders' and educating farmers about the harmful effects of stubble burning. While these measures have helped to some extent in reducing stubble burning, much more is required to be done to address the issue. It is imperative for the government to take more stringent actions and engage in better implementation of policies to curb this dangerous practice and promote sustainable agricultural practices. The health and well-being of millions of Indians depend on it, and the future of the country's agriculture sector is at stake.