2 minAct/Law
Act/Law

Stubble Burning

What is Stubble Burning?

The practice of intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble and other plant residues that remain after harvesting crops, primarily paddy, to clear the fields for the next crop, leading to severe air pollution and environmental degradation.

Historical Background

The practice of stubble burning intensified in states like Punjab and Haryana following the Green Revolution, which promoted high-yielding varieties of paddy. The introduction of combine harvesters, coupled with the short window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, made burning a quick and cheap method for farmers to clear fields.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    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.

  • 2.

    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'.

  • 3.

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

  • 4.

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

  • 5.

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

  • 6.

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

  • 7.

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

  • 8.

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

Visual Insights

Stubble Burning: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Mind map showing the causes, effects, and solutions related to stubble burning.

Stubble Burning

  • ●Causes
  • ●Effects
  • ●Solutions
  • ●Stakeholders

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Repeated interventions by the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT) to curb the practice.

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Development and promotion of technologies like the Pusa bio-decomposer by ICAR.

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Increased focus on providing financial incentives and machinery to farmers for in-situ residue management.

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Formation of high-level committees involving central and state governments to devise comprehensive strategies.

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Debate on the effectiveness of punitive measures versus incentive-based approaches.

This Concept in News

1 topics

States directed to curb wheat stubble burning during harvest season

17 Feb 2026

This news demonstrates the complex interplay between agricultural practices, environmental concerns, and policy interventions. (1) The news highlights the persistent challenge of stubble burning despite existing regulations and initiatives. (2) It shows how the CAQM is attempting to apply a more targeted and data-driven approach to address the problem. (3) The news reveals the need for better coordination between different levels of government and the importance of engaging with farmers directly. (4) The implications of this news are that continued efforts are needed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce air pollution. (5) Understanding the concept of stubble burning is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the problem, the reasons behind it, and the potential solutions. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to appreciate the significance of the CAQM's directives and the challenges involved in implementing them.

Source Topic

States directed to curb wheat stubble burning during harvest season

Environment & Ecology

UPSC Relevance

A critical topic for UPSC GS Paper 3 (Environment & Ecology, Agriculture, Disaster Management) and GS Paper 1 (Geography - pollution). Frequently asked in both Prelims and Mains, often requiring multi-dimensional analysis (environmental, economic, social, governance).

Stubble Burning: Causes, Effects, and Solutions

Mind map showing the causes, effects, and solutions related to stubble burning.

Stubble Burning

Short time between crops

Respiratory Problems

Crop Residue Management (CRM)

Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)

Connections
Stubble Burning→Causes
Stubble Burning→Effects
Stubble Burning→Solutions
Stubble Burning→Stakeholders

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

States directed to curb wheat stubble burning during harvest season

17 February 2026

This news demonstrates the complex interplay between agricultural practices, environmental concerns, and policy interventions. (1) The news highlights the persistent challenge of stubble burning despite existing regulations and initiatives. (2) It shows how the CAQM is attempting to apply a more targeted and data-driven approach to address the problem. (3) The news reveals the need for better coordination between different levels of government and the importance of engaging with farmers directly. (4) The implications of this news are that continued efforts are needed to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce air pollution. (5) Understanding the concept of stubble burning is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the problem, the reasons behind it, and the potential solutions. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to appreciate the significance of the CAQM's directives and the challenges involved in implementing them.