Stubble Burning Issue & Supreme Court՚s Observations

Intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. , after harvesting is known as Stubble burning. The practice was widespread until the 1990s, when governments increasingly restricted its use.

Farmers in the neighboring states Haryana and Punjab practice Stubble burning to prepare fields for sowing of wheat in November as there is little time left between the harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat.

This Image Shoe in Cutting the Choke

Advantages

  • It quickly clears the field and is cheap.
  • It Kills weeds, including those resistant to herbicide.
  • It Kills slugs and other pests.
  • It can reduce nitrogen tie-up as well

Disadvantages

  • Stubble burning leads to Emission of harmful gases such carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide along with particulate matter.
  • Loss of nutrients
  • Pollution from smoke
  • Damage to electrical and electronic equipment from floating threads of conducting waste
  • Risk of fires spreading out of control

Observations of Supreme Court

  • All possible measures should be taken to resolve the issue in the interest of public health and environment protection.
  • Incentives scheme to those who are not burning the stubble and disincentives for those who continue the practice.
  • The States who continue to burn the crop residue their MSP should be partly or fully denied. Accordingly the existing MSP Scheme must be so interpreted.
  • Secretary, Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has also been directed to be present to “find a lasting solution. “
  • The Central government should convene a meeting with the States.

Examrace Team at Aug 22, 2021