Delhi's pollution crisis, characterized by grey, sooty clouds and the frothing Yamuna River, is a recurring nightmare. While vehicular pollution and industrial emissions play significant roles, the underlying issue stems from our failure to adopt ecological thinking. As citizens continue to bear the brunt of poor air quality, it becomes clear that unsound policy decisions, combined with our disconnection from nature, are at the core of the problem.
The Deteriorating Air Quality in Delhi
Delhi’s air quality, already poor for most of the year, worsens drastically as winter approaches. While year-long contributors such as vehicular pollution, unchecked industrial emissions, and construction dust are responsible, stubble burning remains an episodic but significant factor. Despite being well-documented for over a decade, little progress has been made in addressing the causes of this toxic air.
Each year, the government spends enormous sums on air quality initiatives, with promises made during budget announcements. Politicians deliver lofty goals for the National Capital Region, but as winter comes around, little improvement is seen. As emissions from vehicles continue to rise, blame is often unfairly shifted onto farmers, making them scapegoats in the battle for cleaner air.
The Role of Farmers in Stubble Burning
Although some responsibility lies with farmers for burning stubble, the larger issue is rooted in flawed government policies. Paddy cultivation was introduced to Punjab not as a traditional crop but as a measure to fill the nation’s food reserves. With the introduction of the minimum support price, rice farming expanded. Farmers were further encouraged to adopt high-yielding seeds and machinery through the "Green Revolution."
However, in a bid to conserve water, the government shifted the paddy sowing season from April to June, shortening the gap between harvest and the Rabi sowing season. This left farmers with insufficient time to clear their fields, making stubble burning a quicker solution.
The shift from indigenous paddy varieties like Basmati to high-silica Green Revolution seeds exacerbated the problem, as the straw from these crops became inedible for cattle. Without the ability to rely on livestock to clear fields, farmers turned to mechanized solutions, but combined harvesters failed to effectively remove crop residue, worsening the situation.
The Failure of Technology and Policy
To address this, the government introduced subsidies for super seeders and other machinery, but the solution proved ineffective. The machines were incompatible with the low horsepower tractors used by most farmers, making them impractical for widespread use. Despite years of investment, these technological solutions have not alleviated the problem.
A significant portion of funds allocated to stubble management programs remains unused, while the money that has been spent often goes toward ineffective or poorly implemented initiatives. Programs aimed at promoting stubble-based ecosystems and creating machine clusters may have potential, but poor execution has led to minimal results.
A Pragmatic Path Forward
After years of failed policies, it's time for a more focused approach. Tackling the episodic source of pollution—stubble burning—can be addressed with direct financial incentives. Offering farmers Rs 2,500 per acre through a direct benefit transfer (DBT) could serve as an immediate solution.
By implementing a volunteer registration program for farmers who sell paddy to mandis, the government can provide an initial Rs 1,000 per acre in advance. Using an app-based monitoring system with GPS-linked super seeders, the authorities can verify that fields have been cleared without burning. Upon confirmation, the remaining Rs 1,500 can be transferred to the farmer’s account.
With a budget of approximately Rs 200 crore, this strategy could cover 8 lakh paddy farmers in the region, offering a viable solution to stubble burning in a short period of time.
Long-Term Solutions: Promoting Organic Farming
In addition to immediate financial incentives, a long-term strategy must focus on promoting organic farming. Aggressive policies aimed at transitioning to organic agriculture can help restore soil health, benefit the rural economy, and reduce the dependency on chemical-intensive farming methods. Organic farming will not only mitigate environmental damage but also provide farmers with sustainable livelihood options, paving the way for a healthier ecological future.
By combining short-term financial incentives with long-term sustainable practices, India can nudge its agricultural sector towards a more harmonious relationship with nature—addressing pollution while supporting farmers and promoting ecological balance
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