Central coordinating system vital to handle paddy stubble: Study
Main Issue
India needs a central coordinating mechanism for paddy stubble management and crop diversification with adequate Resources, clear assignment of responsibilities between national and sub-national agencies to counter the ill-effects of crop stubble burning during Covid-19 pandemic.
This has been recommended by a study conducted by National Institute of PUBLIC FINANCE and Policy. The study was part of the policy series by Punjabi University’s centre for development economics and innovation studies.
Emphasising on the need for all stakeholders, including government, Industry and the civil Society to shift their strategy from reactive to proactive, the study points out that the national programme on crop diversification does not have clear provisions on outreach activities to sensitise farmers about alternate crop Options.
Similarly, there is insufficient convergence with other programmes such as the National Rural EMPLOYMENT Guarantee Scheme, National Rural Livelihood Mission, and agro-enterprise related schemes which could help in management of paddy stubble or crop diversification.
Rural Punjab spends ₹ 7.6cr annually to treat ailments
The study says that people in rural Punjab spend more than Rs 7.6 crore every year on treatment for ailments caused by stubble burning.
It is estimated that 20 million tonnes of rice stubble is produced every year in Punjab, out of which 80% is burnt on farms. Cost of Air Pollution due to stubble burning in India is estimated to be US $30 billion annually.
Stubble burning emits particulate matter (PM 2.5), which is the most adverse for human Health since the particles can get trapped inside the lungs and raise the lung cancer risk by 36%.
Burning one tonne of rice (paddy stubble) accounts for a loss of nitrogen (5.5kg), phosphorus (2.3kg), potassium (25kg), and sulphur (1.2kg) in the Soil. Moreover, the heat from burning crop residue kills critical bacterial and fungal populations in the soil, apart from organic carbon.
Implementation Issues
The research found that the unavailability of crop residue management (CRM) machines has been a key issue in mitigating paddy stubble burning. In 2019, despite a sanction of 22,854 machines, only 14,625 were available for use. The in-situ management machines are still unaffordable to many farmers despite subsidy provisions.
Small farmers cannot afford machines despite subsidy
Happy seeder costs Rs 1.50 lakh and requires a 65-horsepower tractor. Small farmers cannot afford to buy the machinery, even with a subsidy of 50% at current rates. Even though the central sector scheme (CSS) provides 80% subsidy to Cooperative Societies to rent out machines to farmers, most (cooperative societies) did not have funds to buy such machinery even on subsidy, says the study.
Diversification Issues
“Crop diversification package should be a mix of policy measures, encouragement of agrobusiness enterprises possibly under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan scheme, awareness campaigns for farmers explaining the importance of the scheme for them and what it offers, economic incentives such as minimum support pricesfor alternative crops, along with Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE support like agricultural inputs for identified alternative crops,” reads the study. There is a need for a detailed study involving all stakeholders to understand slow progress towards crop diversification in spite of regulatory policy nudges and Fiscal Policy incentives announced by the central as well as state governments.,
agriculture Booster: Central coordinating system vital to handle paddy stubble
Paddy stubble is a major problem in India. It is estimated that about 250 million tonnes of paddy stubble is produced every year, out of which only about 10% is used. The rest is either burnt or left in the fields, which can cause air pollution and soil erosion.
The burning of paddy stubble is a major source of air pollution in India. It is estimated that the burning of paddy stubble contributes to about 20% of the air pollution in Delhi. The burning of paddy stubble also causes soil erosion. The stubble that is left in the fields can be blown away by the wind, which can lead to the loss of topsoil.
A central coordinating system can be used to handle paddy stubble. The system can coordinate the efforts of different stakeholders, such as farmers, government agencies, and private companies. The system can also provide information and resources to farmers on how to manage paddy stubble.
The implementation of a central coordinating system can have several benefits. It can help to reduce air pollution and soil erosion. It can also help to improve the efficiency of paddy stubble management.
The implementation of a central coordinating system can be done in the following steps:
- The government should set up a central coordinating body. The body should be responsible for coordinating the efforts of different stakeholders.
- The body should develop a plan for managing paddy stubble. The plan should include measures to reduce air pollution and soil erosion.
- The body should provide information and resources to farmers on how to manage paddy stubble.
- The body should monitor the implementation of the plan and make necessary adjustments.
The implementation of a central coordinating system can help to reduce air pollution and soil erosion. It can also help to improve the efficiency of paddy stubble management.
The following are some of the benefits of implementing a central coordinating system for paddy stubble management:
- Reduced air pollution: The burning of paddy stubble is a major source of air pollution in India. The implementation of a central coordinating system can help to reduce air pollution by coordinating the efforts of different stakeholders to manage paddy stubble in a more sustainable manner.
- Reduced soil erosion: The stubble that is left in the fields can be blown away by the wind, which can lead to the loss of topsoil. The implementation of a central coordinating system can help to reduce soil erosion by providing information and resources to farmers on how to manage paddy stubble in a more sustainable manner.
- Improved efficiency of paddy stubble management: The implementation of a central coordinating system can help to improve the efficiency of paddy stubble management by coordinating the efforts of different stakeholders and providing information and resources to farmers.
The following are some of the challenges that may be faced in implementing a central coordinating system for paddy stubble management:
- Lack of coordination among stakeholders: One of the challenges that may be faced in implementing a central coordinating system is the lack of coordination among stakeholders. Different stakeholders, such as farmers, government agencies, and private companies, may have different priorities and interests. This can make it difficult to coordinate their efforts to manage paddy stubble in a sustainable manner.
- Lack of awareness among farmers: Another challenge that may be faced in implementing a central coordinating system is the lack of awareness among farmers. Farmers may not be aware of the benefits of managing paddy stubble in a sustainable manner. This can make it difficult to get them to adopt sustainable practices.
- Lack of resources: Another challenge that may be faced in implementing a central coordinating system is the lack of resources. The government may not have the resources to set up and maintain a central coordinating system. This can make it difficult to implement the system effectively.
Despite the challenges, the implementation of a central coordinating system for paddy stubble management is a viable option for reducing air pollution and soil erosion. The system can help to coordinate the efforts of different stakeholders and provide information and resources to farmers on how to manage paddy stubble in a more sustainable manner.
What is paddy stubble?
Paddy stubble is the leftover straw from rice crops. It is a major agricultural waste product in India.
Why is paddy stubble a problem?
Paddy stubble is a major source of air pollution in India. When it is burned, it releases harmful pollutants into the air, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can cause respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer.
What is the central coordinating system for handling paddy stubble?
The central coordinating system for handling paddy stubble is a government initiative to help farmers manage their paddy stubble in a sustainable way. The system provides farmers with information and resources on how to dispose of their paddy stubble without burning it.
How can farmers manage their paddy stubble without burning it?
There are a number of ways that farmers can manage their paddy stubble without burning it. These include:
- Composting: Paddy stubble can be composted to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
- Humus: Paddy stubble can be used to create humus, a dark, organic material that improves Soil fertility.
- Biomass/”>Biomass: Paddy stubble can be used to generate electricity or heat.
- Pelletizing: Paddy stubble can be pelletized and used as a fuel.
- Vermicomposting: Paddy stubble can be vermicomposted, a process that uses worms to break down organic matter.
What are the benefits of managing paddy stubble without burning it?
There are a number of benefits to managing paddy stubble without burning it. These include:
- Reduced air pollution: Burning paddy stubble is a major source of air pollution in India. Managing paddy stubble without burning it can help to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.
- Improved soil health: Managing paddy stubble without burning it can help to improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter and nutrient levels.
- Increased crop yields: Managing paddy stubble without burning it can help to increase crop yields by providing nutrients to the soil and improving Soil Structure.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Burning paddy stubble releases greenhouse gases into the Atmosphere. Managing paddy stubble without burning it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate Climate change.
What are the challenges of managing paddy stubble without burning it?
There are a number of challenges to managing paddy stubble without burning it. These include:
- Lack of awareness: Many farmers are not aware of the benefits of managing paddy stubble without burning it.
- Lack of resources: Farmers may not have the resources, such as equipment and labor, to manage their paddy stubble without burning it.
- Government policies: Government policies may not support the management of paddy stubble without burning it.
What can be done to address the challenges of managing paddy stubble without burning it?
There are a number of things that can be done to address the challenges of managing paddy stubble without burning it. These include:
- Raising awareness: Farmers need to be made aware of the benefits of managing paddy stubble without burning it. This can be done through Education and outreach programs.
- Providing resources: Farmers need to be provided with the resources they need to manage their paddy stubble without burning it. This can include equipment, labor, and financial assistance.
- Reforming government policies: Government policies need to be reformed to support the management of paddy stubble without burning it. This can include providing financial incentives to farmers and enacting regulations that discourage burning.
-
Which of the following is not a type of paddy stubble?
(A) Straw
(B) Chaff
(C) Husk
(D) Leaf -
Which of the following is the most common method of paddy stubble management?
(A) Burning
(B) Composting
(C) Ensiling
(D) Mulching -
Burning paddy stubble can lead to which of the following problems?
(A) Air pollution
(B) Water Pollution
(C) Soil erosion
(D) All of the above -
Composting paddy stubble can help to improve soil fertility.
(A) True
(B) False -
Ensiling paddy stubble can help to reduce the risk of fire.
(A) True
(B) False -
Mulching paddy stubble can help to suppress Weeds.
(A) True
(B) False -
Which of the following is the most effective method of paddy stubble management?
(A) Burning
(B) Composting
(C) Ensiling
(D) Mulching -
Which of the following is the most environmentally friendly method of paddy stubble management?
(A) Burning
(B) Composting
(C) Ensiling
(D) Mulching -
Which of the following is the most cost-effective method of paddy stubble management?
(A) Burning
(B) Composting
(C) Ensiling
(D) Mulching -
Which of the following is the most labor-intensive method of paddy stubble management?
(A) Burning
(B) Composting
(C) Ensiling
(D) Mulching