Causes of Burning: Short time gap between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat, lack of affordable alternatives for residue management, high cost of machinery, and lack of awareness.

Environmental Impact: Major contributor to air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, black carbon, CO, NOx, SO2) in Northern India, especially during winter months, leading to 'Delhi Smog'.

Soil Degradation: Causes loss of essential soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur), beneficial microorganisms, and organic matter, reducing soil fertility and moisture retention.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to climate change.

Health Hazards: Leads to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, skin allergies, and cardiovascular problems among farmers and urban populations.

Alternatives: In-situ management (Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Pusa bio-decomposer, mulching), ex-situ management (biomass power plants, bio-ethanol production, cattle feed, composting).

Government Initiatives: Subsidies for farm machinery, awareness campaigns, legal prohibitions, Pusa bio-decomposer distribution, and formation of high-level committees.

Economic Implications: While seemingly cost-effective for farmers in the short term, it incurs significant environmental and health costs for society.

Causes of Burning: Short time gap between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat, lack of affordable alternatives for residue management, high cost of machinery, and lack of awareness.

Environmental Impact: Major contributor to air pollution (PM2.5, PM10, black carbon, CO, NOx, SO2) in Northern India, especially during winter months, leading to 'Delhi Smog'.

Soil Degradation: Causes loss of essential soil nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur), beneficial microorganisms, and organic matter, reducing soil fertility and moisture retention.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to climate change.

Health Hazards: Leads to respiratory diseases, eye irritation, skin allergies, and cardiovascular problems among farmers and urban populations.

Alternatives: In-situ management (Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, Pusa bio-decomposer, mulching), ex-situ management (biomass power plants, bio-ethanol production, cattle feed, composting).

Government Initiatives: Subsidies for farm machinery, awareness campaigns, legal prohibitions, Pusa bio-decomposer distribution, and formation of high-level committees.

Economic Implications: While seemingly cost-effective for farmers in the short term, it incurs significant environmental and health costs for society.