Stubble as a Renewable Source of Energy: A Study of Stubble Burning and Crisis of Environmental Degradation in Punjab, India

Abstract

Stubble burning is a major contributor to environmental pollution in north India. It releases massive amounts of toxic pollutants, including particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, which cause serious health risks for humans and substantially impact the environment. Punjab is a prosperous state in India, and agriculture is the foundation of its economy. This study is primarily concerned with the issue of stubble burning, which is a significant cause of environmental degradation in Punjab. It explores the effects of stubble burning, incidents of stubble burning in Punjab, and various governmental policy incentives for crop residue management. The data for this research was collected from newspaper articles, governmental reports, reliable Internet sources, and field visits to the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre, Ludhiana, and the district agriculture department regarding the record of crop fire incidents. The findings revealed a shocking upsurge in stubble burning events in 2022 during the Rabi session despite various environmental legislation and crop residue management techniques. Maximum incidents of stubble burning were reported in the Sangrur district of Punjab since 2016 during the Kharif session (15th September–30th November). Most of the farmers in Punjab are unaware of various crop residue management techniques. Hence, they consider the burning of residue as the best option. Therefore, extensive awareness campaigns are required to educate farmers about the range of financially viable alternatives and the effects of stubble burning. The primary purpose of this study is to provide eco-friendly substitutes for crop residue management. It recommends the effective implementation of regulations as an important prerequisite to preventing environmental degradation in Punjab caused by crop residue burning.