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.