Haryana's Stubble Burning Paradox: Fewer Fires, Larger Burned Area
Haryana reported fewer farm fire incidents this year, but the total area affected by stubble burning actually increased, indicating a shift towards larger, less frequent burning events.
Photo by Ayşenur
Quick Revision
Haryana recorded 2,345 farm fire incidents this year, down from 3,060 last year.
Burned area increased to 19,797 sq km from 10,707 sq km last year.
Output of farm fires (radiative power) decreased by 24.5% from 2023.
Satellite monitoring by ISRO and IARI is used.
Measures include in-situ (mixing stubble into soil) and ex-situ (using stubble for other purposes) crop residue management.
24,000 machines provided to farmers.
1.90 lakh acres managed through in-situ methods.
2.00 lakh acres managed through ex-situ methods.
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
Haryana: A Key Region for Stubble Burning & Air Pollution
This map highlights Haryana's geographical location and its critical role in the stubble burning issue, which significantly contributes to air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, particularly affecting the National Capital Region (NCR).
Loading interactive map...
Exam Angles
Environmental pollution and air quality management (PM2.5, PM10, black carbon).
Agricultural practices, crop residue management techniques, and farm mechanization.
Government policies, schemes (e.g., Crop Residue Management Scheme), and legal frameworks (Environment Protection Act, Air Act).
Socio-economic factors influencing farmer behavior and adoption of sustainable practices.
Inter-state cooperation and challenges in addressing transboundary pollution.
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Haryana has presented a puzzling scenario regarding stubble burning this year. While the total number of farm fire incidents has decreased compared to the previous year, the actual area affected by stubble burning has paradoxically increased. This suggests that farmers might be resorting to fewer, but larger, burning events, making detection and enforcement more challenging.
The state government attributes the reduction in fire counts to various measures, including in-situ crop residue management and ex-situ utilization. However, the increase in burned area indicates that the underlying problem of stubble burning persists, contributing significantly to air pollution in the region, especially during the post-harvest season. This situation highlights the complexities of monitoring and controlling agricultural pollution and the need for more effective, widespread solutions.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding stubble burning in North India: 1. The recent trend in Haryana indicates a decrease in the number of farm fire incidents but an increase in the total area affected by stubble burning. 2. In-situ crop residue management techniques primarily involve collecting stubble for industrial use or power generation. 3. The PUSA decomposer is a microbial solution developed to accelerate the decomposition of paddy straw in the fields. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.1 and 3 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct as per the news, highlighting the paradox of fewer fires but larger burned areas. Statement 2 is incorrect; in-situ management involves managing stubble within the field itself (e.g., mixing with soil, decomposition), while ex-situ management involves collecting it for external uses. Statement 3 is correct; the PUSA decomposer is a bio-decomposer developed by ICAR-IARI to convert stubble into manure. Therefore, options 1 and 3 are correct.
2. With reference to the environmental impact of stubble burning, consider the following statements: 1. Stubble burning primarily releases particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. 2. Black carbon, a short-lived climate pollutant, is also a significant emission from stubble burning, contributing to global warming. 3. The burning of crop residue can lead to a reduction in soil organic carbon and beneficial microbial populations in the long run. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct. Stubble burning is a major source of air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Statement 2 is correct. Black carbon, a component of particulate matter, is a potent short-lived climate pollutant that absorbs sunlight, warms the atmosphere, and contributes to glacier melt. Stubble burning is a significant source of black carbon. Statement 3 is correct. Burning organic matter destroys soil nutrients, reduces soil organic carbon content, and harms beneficial soil microbes, leading to decreased soil fertility and long-term productivity. All statements are correct.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the challenges and solutions for stubble burning in India?
- A.The short window between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing is a primary driver for farmers to burn stubble.
- B.The Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme provides financial assistance for the procurement of farm machinery for in-situ management.
- C.Crop diversification away from paddy cultivation is considered a long-term sustainable solution to reduce stubble generation.
- D.Ex-situ utilization of stubble, such as for ethanol production, is currently the most widespread and economically viable solution for all farmers.
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement A is correct. The tight turnaround time is a major reason for burning. Statement B is correct. The CRM scheme, launched by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, aims to subsidize machinery for in-situ management. Statement C is correct. Shifting away from water-intensive paddy in certain regions can reduce stubble generation. Statement D is NOT correct. While ex-situ utilization (e.g., for biomass power, ethanol, paper industry) is a promising avenue, it is not yet the 'most widespread and economically viable solution for all farmers' due to challenges like collection, transportation, storage, and market linkages. Its implementation is still limited and faces economic hurdles for widespread adoption.