Paddy stubble burning falls by 34% in North India, 56% reduction in Punjab

Stubble burning incidents in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi have decreased by 34% compared to last year, with a total of 10,422 cases reported as of Sunday. This reduction is a positive step in combatting air pollution in northern India.

Image Credit: Pexels

Incidents of stubble burning after paddy harvesting in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi have shown a notable decline this year. As of Sunday, the number of reported stubble burning incidents has decreased by 34% compared to the same period last year, with a total count of 10,422. This reduction is a promising development in the fight against air pollution in the northern region of India.

According to data provided by the Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modelling from Space (CREAMS) at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, the major contributors to stubble burning events, have reported significant decreases in incidents. Punjab has reported 5,254 paddy straw burning incidents, marking a 56% reduction from the previous year. Haryana’s reported incidents have also declined by 40%, totaling 1,094 cases. This improvement is attributed to government incentives for paddy straw management and is expected to continue throughout the season, boding well for air quality in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The NCR’s air quality, which is typically “severe” during this period of stubble burning in neighboring states, was categorized as “very poor” on Sunday. This shift reflects the positive impact of reduced stubble burning in the region.

An agriculture ministry official responsible for monitoring these events emphasized that the peak of stubble burning usually occurs between October 26 and November 6 as farmers prepare their fields for wheat sowing in the Rabi season. The coming week is expected to be crucial in assessing the extent of the decline in paddy straw burning incidents.

While the situation in Punjab and Haryana is improving, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have witnessed a spike in incidents, with a 302% and 28% increase, respectively, compared to the same period last year. However, the impact of straw burning in these states on Delhi’s air quality is relatively minimal, as they account for a smaller share of total fire events in northern India.

The Indian government has introduced measures to reduce stubble burning incidents, including the paddy straw supply chain management program under public-private partnership models. The Ministry of Agriculture has allocated Rs 600 crore to Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. A substantial part of this fund has already been released to Punjab and Haryana for in-situ and ex-situ paddy straw management.

The aim of these initiatives is to entirely eliminate stubble burning events. Punjab, for instance, has devised an action plan to manage paddy straw through on-field treatment and industrial use, reducing environmental harm and providing economic benefits. Similarly, Haryana is offering financial assistance for crop diversification and promoting the use of paddy stubble in various industries.

While challenges persist, the concerted efforts to reduce stubble burning incidents in northern India are showing positive results, offering hope for improved air quality and a healthier environment for all.