As the harvest season approaches, concerns related to stubble-burning and farm fire incidents have resurfaced, prompting discussions on the necessity and impact of intentionally setting fire to straw stubble in agricultural fields. While farmers often view this practice as essential for their crops and yields, it is also recognized as a significant contributor to air pollution in farming regions and neighboring areas, with farm fires or stubble burning accounting for 3-4% of Delhi's pollution.
However, experts believe that the incidence of this practice will decrease in the current year. Experts have noted that the number of fire incidents during the rice crop harvesting season is lower than in previous years, attributing this decline to an extended monsoon season.
In the state of Punjab, the government has set a target to reduce stubble-burning cases by up to 50% this year. In 2022, Punjab reported 30% fewer cases compared to 2021, with only 49,900 cases reported. This is a significant decrease from 2020 when there were 76,590 cases. In total, approximately 16 million tonnes of paddy straw will be utilized for various purposes this year.
Rice farmers in Punjab and neighboring Haryana have commenced harvesting their crops, and while some smoke has been observed from rice fields, experts suggest that the number of cases is negligible. During the period from September 15 to 21, less than 10 fire incidents were reported in Punjab, compared to 106 cases during the same period last year.
Dr. Ravinder Khairwal, an expert from PGIMER, Chandigarh, explained that several factors are contributing to the decrease in farm fire incidents, including longer wet spells, damage to rice crops due to floods, increased awareness, and in-situ stubble management.
Dr. Khairwal also predicted that while there might be a few stubble-burning cases from October 10 to 12, the incidents will rise during the last week of October and the second week of November. He highlighted that most farm fire incidents occur in Punjab, accounting for 80-85% of total cases, with an additional 15-20% reported in neighboring Haryana.
The Punjab government has taken measures to address stubble management, with a significant number of crop residue management machines available, and plans to procure more. However, a ground report indicated that insufficient availability of these machines in some areas has contributed to fire incidents. Farmers noted the urgency of harvesting due to the limited window for sowing other crops.
Despite challenges, the state is actively working on managing paddy straw through in-situ and ex-situ methods, as well as exploring its use for energy production and fodder.
In summary, experts believe that various factors, including favorable weather conditions and increased awareness, will lead to a reduction in stubble-burning cases during the current harvest season.
