{"id":81967,"date":"2026-01-10T18:22:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T12:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/?p=81967"},"modified":"2026-01-10T18:22:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T12:52:08","slug":"stubble-burning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vajiramandravi.com\/current-affairs\/stubble-burning\/","title":{"rendered":"Stubble Burning, Meaning, Reasons, Impacts, Government Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stubble Burning is a recurring agricultural practice that significantly influences air quality, soil health and climate conditions in northern India. It occurs mainly after the harvest of rice and wheat, when farmers burn leftover crop residue to clear fields quickly for the next sowing cycle. This seasonal activity coincides with winter atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants, intensifying smog formation across the Indo-Gangetic plains. Scientific studies, satellite observations and policy reviews consistently identify Stubble Burning as a structural environmental and economic challenge rather than merely a behavioural issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stubble Burning<\/b><\/h2>\n

Stubble Burning refers to the intentional burning of crop residue such as straw and stalks left after harvesting cereals like paddy and wheat using combine harvesters. These machines leave tall, silica-rich stalks that are difficult to remove manually or plough back into the soil. The practice is most visible between late September and November in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, aligning with the short 15-20 day gap between paddy harvesting and wheat sowing, making rapid residue removal critical for farmers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read about: Biomass Energy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stubble Burning in India<\/b><\/h2>\n

India produces nearly 600-700 million tonnes of crop residue annually, with around 35 million tonnes burned in northern states during October-November. Punjab records the highest rice Stubble Burning incidents, followed by Haryana, while Uttar Pradesh leads in wheat residue burning. A 2023 IIT-TERI study estimated that Stubble Burning contributes 22% – 35% of seasonal air pollution, rising to 40% – 70% on specific days under stagnant meteorological conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Satellite data shows mixed trends. Punjab reported a 70% decline in fire incidents in 2024, yet the total burnt area remained nearly unchanged at around 19.17 lakh hectares. This discrepancy arises because satellites like MODIS and VIIRS miss short duration evening fires, now increasingly lit between 4 pm and 6 pm. Optical sensors such as Sentinel-2 reveal burn scars even when thermal sensors fail, highlighting under reporting challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stubble Burning Reasons<\/b><\/h2>\n

Stubble Burning persists due to intertwined agronomic, economic and policy constraints that limit farmers\u2019 practical alternatives despite legal bans and environmental costs.<\/span><\/p>\n