Rural-Urban Linkages: The Stubble Burning Dilemma
1. What is Stubble Burning?
- Definition: Burning of crop residue (straw/stubble) after harvest
- Primary Regions: Punjab, Haryana, Western UP (now also Madhya Pradesh)
- Crops Involved: Rice-wheat cropping system (Green Revolution legacy)
- Reason: Short window between rice harvest and wheat sowing
2. Why Do Farmers Burn Stubble?
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Time Pressure | Short gap between crops (rice-wheat cycle) |
| Cost | Cheaper than mechanical removal or alternatives |
| Lack of Access | Expensive equipment (e.g., Happy Seeders, Super SMS) |
| Delayed Subsidies | Govt support often late or insufficient |
| Limited Alternatives | Bio-decomposers not yet widely scaled |
👨🌾 Most farmers do not want to burn—they understand the health and soil impacts.
3. Impact on Urban Air Quality
- Transboundary Pollution: Smoke travels hundreds of km
- Delhi NCR: On some days, >48% of PM2.5 comes from stubble burning
- Seasonal Aggravation: Occurs in winter when air is stagnant → prolonged smog
- Health Risks: Worsens respiratory illnesses, triggers emergency responses
4. Alternatives to Stubble Burning
| Solution | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Happy Seeder/Super SMS | Machines that sow wheat without removing straw | Limited adoption due to cost |
| Bio-Decomposers | Spray (e.g., by IARI) breaks stubble into compost | Piloted in UP, Punjab, Delhi |
| Takachar | Converts crop waste into fuel | MIT-supported, scaling in Punjab |
| Policy Support | Timely subsidies, awareness, infrastructure | Inconsistent implementation |
5. Systemic Challenges
- Green Revolution Legacy: Rice-wheat system not native to Punjab-Haryana
- Water Stress: Falling water tables delay sowing → shorter turnaround time
- Policy Gaps: Delayed subsidies, lack of scalable alternatives
- Livelihood Pressures: Farmers caught between productivity and sustainability
6. Role of Youth and Citizens
- Educate: Learn and teach about AQI, pollution sources
- Advocate: Campaign for clean air in schools/colleges
- Monitor: Use apps to track and report local pollution
- Connect: Understand rural-urban linkages and support systemic solutions
7. Key Takeaways
- Stubble burning is a systemic issue, not just a farmer’s problem
- Collaborative solutions are needed—not punitive measures
- Technology + Policy + Awareness must work together
- Rural-urban equity is central to solving air pollution
Exam Tip
Focus on the systemic nature of stubble burning—link it to Green Revolution policies, farmer livelihoods, and transboundary pollution. Emphasize alternatives like bio-decomposers and tech innovations (e.g., Takachar). Highlight the need for collaborative (not blame-based) solutions and the role of youth in advocacy and awareness.
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