Farm Fire Pollution (Agriculture)
Farm Fire Pollution (Agriculture)
Why In News:A new study has found that partial (incomplete) burning of crop residue is more polluting than complete burning because it produces far higher proportions of PM2.5, black carbon, and toxic gases without fully combusting the biomass.
What is Stubble Burning?Stubble burning is the intentional setting of fire to the straw (stubble) of a harvested crop, primarily paddy/rice, to quickly clear fields before the next sowing cycle. It is widespread in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh during October and November.
Why Partial Burning is More Harmful?Complete combustion: Produces mainly CO2 and water vapour, with lower particulate output.Incomplete/partial combustion: Produces PM2.5, PM10, Black Carbon, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), all acutely harmful to human health.Black Carbon: A short-lived climate pollutant that also accelerates Himalayan glacial melt by reducing surface albedo (reflectivity).
Key Policy Interventions
Crop Residue Management (CRM) Scheme: Central scheme providing subsidised machinery (Happy Seeders, rotavators, mulchers) to promote in-situ management of paddy straw instead of burning.PUSA Decomposer: Bio-decomposer developed by IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute), New Delhi. Converts paddy straw to compost within 25 days when applied to fields.
CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas): Statutory body under CAQM Act, 2021. Has overriding powers on all air quality measures in the NCR and adjoining areas including farm fire action.
SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research): Developed by IITM Pune. Tracks satellite-detected fire counts in Punjab and Haryana and links them to real-time AQI readings in Delhi-NCR.