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The period from September 15 to 23 this year has already seen 124 cases of farm fires across Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, as per data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute. This is a significant rise from just 25 incidents in the same period last year. Crop residue burning after harvesting Kharif crops adds a thick layer of smog to the already polluted winter air, combining with vehicular emissions to form a hazardous mix that severely impacts the air quality in urban areas.
Stubble burning has become an annual problem in India's agrarian heartlands, primarily Punjab and Haryana, where farmers resort to setting fire to crop residue to quickly clear the fields for the next crop cycle. However, this practice releases vast quantities of particulate matter (PM 2.5), nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, worsening air quality not only in the rural areas where the burning occurs but also in nearby urban centers like Delhi, which is already grappling with pollution challenges.
According to the Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India generates approximately 500 million tons of crop residue annually. While much of this is used as fodder, fuel, or for industrial purposes, a surplus of 140 million tons remains, and out of this, 92 million tons is burned every year. This leads to increased levels of PM 2.5, which is considered the most dangerous pollutant due to its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health problems like lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Mitigating Air Pollution
To address the issue, the Indian government has launched initiatives to distribute machines like Happy Seeders and Super Straw Management Systems to help manage crop residue without burning it. Efforts are also underway to create a biomass supply chain to convert farm waste into energy. While these steps are promising, implementation on a large scale remains a challenge. Many farmers, particularly smallholders, lack the resources to adopt these solutions, and incentives must be further strengthened to encourage widespread use of these alternatives.
The government must also intensify its efforts by providing more financial assistance and ensuring proper training for farmers. Alongside this, stricter enforcement of pollution control measures, combined with incentives for cleaner farming practices, can help curb the rising air pollution levels in cities affected by stubble burning.
Solar Power Reducing Carbon Emissions
One of the long-term solutions to combatting air pollution and reducing carbon emissions lies in the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar power. India’s energy demand is expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047, driven by the ambitions of its expanding economy. Solar energy, a clean and abundant source of power, can play a crucial role in meeting this growing demand while curbing emissions from polluting industries such as iron, steel, and aluminum, which are already under pressure to meet emission targets.
By transitioning to solar energy, India can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and lower its carbon footprint. Solar projects, especially utility-scale solar farms and rooftop installations, provide an opportunity for industries and households to reduce their dependence on conventional energy sources, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Increasing Solar Adoption
While solar energy is a key solution to reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change, public awareness about its benefits remains limited. Although many urban households and businesses have started adopting solar panels, rural areas still face challenges such as lack of information, high installation costs, and unreliable access to the grid.
More must be done to increase awareness at the grassroots level, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of solar power. Government programs like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme, which encourages farmers to install solar pumps and sell excess electricity to the grid, can be expanded further to reach more people. Industry players should also collaborate with government agencies to offer affordable financing options and rebates for solar installation, making it easier for individuals and businesses to transition to renewable energy.
At the regulatory level, policies that encourage solar adoption, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and low-interest loans for renewable energy projects, can further drive the shift towards cleaner energy sources. Additionally, implementing stricter emissions standards for industries, as highlighted in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget speech, will push industries to explore solar and other renewable options.
In Summation
Stubble burning remains a critical environmental challenge, contributing significantly to air pollution in urban cities across northern India. While government initiatives to provide alternatives to crop burning and promote solar energy are steps in the right direction, more needs to be done at the regulatory, industry, and societal levels to address the crisis. Solar power holds immense potential not only in reducing emissions but also in supporting India’s growing energy needs sustainably. Greater public awareness, financial incentives, and stricter regulations are essential to accelerating the adoption of solar energy and securing a cleaner, healthier future for all.
