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The state of Punjab in India has experienced a significant surge in farm fires, reaching a record high of 587 cases on Friday, November 3rd, 2023. This surpasses the previous peak of 484 cases reported on Thursday. The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre has tracked a total of 3,537 farm fires in the state from September 15th to November 1st. The surge in incidents highlights the ongoing challenge of agricultural practices that contribute to air pollution, particularly in the national capital, Delhi.
The districts most affected by farm fires include Sangrur, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Bathinda, Kapurthala, Mansa, and Patiala. While some districts, like Fazilka, Rupnagar, and Pathankot, reported only a single fire incident, the concentration of fires in certain regions indicates the widespread practice of stubble burning.
Stubble burning, the practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvesting, has been a persistent issue in Punjab and neighboring Haryana. This practice is often blamed for the significant rise in air pollution levels in Delhi during the post-harvest season (October-November). The burning of paddy straw releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to respiratory problems, smog, and a decline in air quality.
The issue stems from the short window for sowing the rabi crop (wheat) following paddy harvest. Many farmers resort to burning the stubble to clear the fields quickly, despite the environmental consequences. The situation is further exacerbated by the large amount of paddy straw produced annually in Punjab – over 31 lakh hectares of paddy area generate around 180-200 lakh tonnes of straw. The state has witnessed a 26% drop in farm fire incidents in 2023 compared to 2022, but the recent spike in cases underscores the urgency of finding sustainable solutions.
To mitigate the impact of stubble burning, efforts have been made to encourage alternative methods of crop residue management. These include promoting in-situ management techniques like mulching and incorporation of crop residue into the soil. Mechanical methods, such as baling and collection of stubble, have also been introduced. However, widespread adoption of these solutions remains a challenge, requiring collaboration between farmers, government agencies, and research institutions. Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach that tackles both the economic and environmental aspects of farm fires, ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture and air quality in Punjab and beyond.
Source: Punjab Reports 587 Farm Fires Today, Highest Single-Day Spike This Season