Why Indian farmers burn stubble despite health risks? In the agrarian heartland of northern India, the annual practice of stubble burning persists despite growing concerns over its severe impact on air quality and public health.
Small-scale farmers, like 22-year-old Sharma from the village of Karnal in Haryana state, face a conundrum: the choice between adopting eco-friendly alternatives and the financial burden it entails.
Sharma, echoing the sentiment of many in his community, expressed awareness of the harmful consequences of stubble burning.
Why Indian farmers burn stubble despite health risks?
However, the reality on the ground is harsh. The cost of renting machinery to clear his four-acre farm is approximately $100, an expenditure that many small farmers find unaffordable.
The waiting time for this equipment can extend up to two weeks, creating a time crunch between the harvesting of one crop and the sowing of the next.
Government figures reveal that over 85% of Indian farmers are categorized as small, tending to four acres of land or less, collectively accounting for nearly half of the country’s crop area. This demographic faces a challenge in adopting alternative methods due to economic constraints.
The recent severe smog affecting New Delhi and its surrounding regions has prompted drastic measures, including the closure of primary schools and restrictions on road traffic.
The air quality, exacerbated by stubble burning in states like Punjab and Haryana, has been a perennial concern, contributing to 30%-40% of Delhi’s pollution in the October-November period.
While the government has implemented incentives and penalties to dissuade stubble burning, the ground reality remains stubborn. Despite a reported decrease in fires compared to the previous year, many farmers, like Dharamvir Singh from Karnal, continue to opt for burning due to immediate economic pressures.
He highlighted the cost of treating health issues as a lesser concern compared to incurring extra costs for alternative methods.
The issue at hand underscores the complex challenges faced by small-scale farmers in India. It requires a comprehensive approach that includes not just incentives and penalties but also accessible and affordable alternatives for stubble management, increased education, and support for sustainable agricultural practices. Addressing the economic constraints and providing timely access to necessary machinery are critical steps toward resolving this annual environmental crisis.
