Introduction
Stubble burning, the act of setting fire to leftover crop residue after harvesting, is a problem that affects many countries, including India. This practice, common in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, contributes to severe air pollution, worsens public health, and impacts the environment. However, while India is grappling with this issue, other countries have successfully tackled agricultural waste burning through effective policies, technology, and community action.
This blog explores how other nations have solved similar challenges, compares India’s approach with global practices, and discusses how international aid could help India overcome its stubble burning crisis.
Understanding the Problem of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning isn’t just an issue in India. Countries like China, Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States have faced it as well. Farmers often burn crop residue because it is the fastest and cheapest way to clear their fields for the next planting season. Tight farming schedules and a lack of affordable alternatives make this method appealing. Moreover, many farmers are unaware of the long-term harm stubble burning causes to the environment and health.
According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), satellite data recorded 1,357 stubble-burning incidents on November 10th, this year, alone. These included 345 cases in Punjab, 22 in Haryana, 128 in Uttar Pradesh, 79 in Rajasthan, and 783 in Madhya Pradesh. Together, these fires made up 8% of all stubble-burning cases for the season.
Haryana has seen a steady drop in stubble-burning cases, going from 42 incidents on October 31st to just 13 by November 4th. However, Punjab remains the state with the highest number of cases.
From September 15th to November 10th this year, 17,003 stubble-burning incidents were reported across Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, according to the ICAR. Notably:
- Madhya Pradesh reported 5,818 fires, down from 7,891 last year.
- Haryana recorded 981 fires, the lowest in the last five years, down from 1,676 last year.
- Punjab had 6,611 fires, significantly lower than last year’s 23,626 and the lowest in five years, though it still leads among states this year.
It’s worth applauding Punjab’s dramatic reduction in farm fires, especially compared to 2020, when the number reached 72,499. This improvement shows promising progress.While these challenges are common, countries have approached solutions differently, offering valuable lessons for India.
How Countries Have Tackled Stubble Burning
China:
China has addressed stubble burning primarily through government action. The Chinese government introduced strict fines for farmers who burn crop residue, creating a strong deterrent. At the same time, they provided subsidies for machinery like balers and mulchers, which help farmers manage residue without burning it. Additionally, China turned crop residue into bioenergy, using it to produce fuel and electricity.
United States:
In the United States, farmers see crop residue as a resource instead of waste. Instead of burning, they compost it to create organic fertilizer, which enriches the soil. Advanced technologies are also used to convert crop residue into biofuels, electricity, and biogas. Educational programs play a big role, teaching farmers about the benefits of sustainable practices for both the environment and their income.
Thailand:
Thailand has taken a community-centered approach. Local cooperatives collect crop residue and process it for industrial uses, reducing the need for burning. Farmers in Thailand also share resources and knowledge, creating networks that promote sustainable practices. Crop rotation methods have been introduced, which help reduce the amount of residue farmers need to manage.
Indonesia:
In Indonesia, the issue of agricultural waste burning is linked to palm oil production. The government strictly prohibits burning and imposes heavy penalties on violators. They have also partnered with international organizations like Norway to fund sustainable practices. Reforestation programs have been introduced to counteract the environmental damage caused by years of burning.
How India Compares to Global Practices
India’s approach to stubble burning has seen progress but still faces significant challenges. The government has introduced policies like the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and subsidized tools like Happy Seeders and balers. However, enforcement of penalties is inconsistent, and access to subsidized machinery remains limited.
In contrast, countries like China and Indonesia have enforced strict laws with visible results. While India relies heavily on government-led initiatives, Thailand’s success shows how involving communities can lead to long-lasting solutions. Similarly, while India is exploring bioethanol production, countries like the United States and China have already established advanced bioenergy industries.
India’s efforts to curb stubble burning are still in the early stages compared to the structured and collaborative approaches seen globally.
How International Aid Can Help India
International aid could make a significant difference in addressing stubble burning in India. One of the most impactful ways is through technology transfer. Advanced technologies used in countries like the U.S. for residue management and bioenergy production can be shared with Indian farmers.
Financial support from international organizations, such as the World Bank, can help fund subsidies for machinery and training programs for farmers. Additionally, workshops and exchange programs can enable Indian farmers to learn directly from global practices. Collaborative research projects can identify solutions tailored to India’s specific needs, while international aid can also provide financial incentives to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable alternatives.
What Can India Do to Improve?
India needs to expand bioethanol production to provide farmers with a profitable alternative to burning crop residue. Khaitan Bio Energy is already turning agricultural waste into biofuels, but such initiatives need to be scaled up nationwide.
Stronger enforcement of penalties for stubble burning, similar to China’s approach, can act as a deterrent. At the same time, making machinery like Happy Seeders and balers affordable and accessible for all farmers is crucial. Collaborating with private industries to create markets for agricultural residue can also provide long-term solutions.
Educating farmers about the environmental and health impacts of stubble burning is equally important. Awareness campaigns can help farmers understand how sustainable practices can benefit their farms and the planet.
Conclusion
Stubble burning in India is a complex problem, but it is not unsolvable. By learning from countries that have successfully addressed agricultural waste burning, India can adopt better policies, engage communities, and make use of advanced technologies. International aid can accelerate this process, bringing funding, knowledge, and resources to support sustainable practices.
Farmers play a crucial role in this transition. Empowering them with tools, financial incentives, and awareness is essential to creating a system where stubble burning becomes unnecessary. With collaborative efforts from the government, private sector, and global partners, India can overcome this challenge and set an example for sustainable agriculture worldwide.
Let’s work together to ensure cleaner air, healthier communities, and a better planet for future generations.