Amid rising Air Pollution crisis, how to save the crop?

Air pollution is one of the most serious problems facing India today. As the Air Quality Index (AQI) is touching dangerous levels, its impact is not just limited to our health. This problem is also having a profound effect on the farmers working in the fields and their produce. Let us understand how air pollution is increasing the problems of farmers and how this crisis can be resolved.

Air Pollution and Impact on Agriculture

1. Decrease in Crop Productivity

Harmful particles (such as PM2.5 and PM10) emitted from air pollution settle on the leaves of plants. This process disrupts the photosynthesis of plants, negatively affecting their growth and productivity. For example, crops like wheat and rice, which have a high yield in India, can be weakened due to pollution.

2. Impact on Soil Quality

Gases such as ammonia and sulfur dioxide present in the air increase the acidity in the soil. This reduces the fertility of the soil and the crops do not get the necessary nutrients.

3. Obstacle in pollination

Due to air pollution, the number of pollinating organisms like bees and butterflies is decreasing. Due to their lack, the process of pollination in crops is affected, which can reduce the yield.

4. Climate change and uncertainty in weather

Due to pollution, the imbalance in the climate increases. Sometimes untimely rains and sometimes extreme heat destroy the crops of farmers. In such a situation, small farmers have to suffer huge financial losses.

5. Increase in toxicity in plants

Gases like ozone (O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) present in air pollution enter the plants and damage their cells. Due to this, the leaves of the plants wither, their color starts changing, and their growth stops. This toxicity also affects the quality and nutritional value of crops.

6. Adverse effects on water sources

Acid rain caused by air pollution contaminates natural sources of water in the fields. When this water is used for irrigation, it has a negative effect on crops and soil. Acidic water weakens the soil structure and reduces the availability of essential nutrients for plants. This has a negative effect on both the productivity and quality of farming.

Challenges faced by farmers

1. Pressure of untimely harvesting

Many a times, burning of stubble is banned in Delhi and other areas to control pollution. Farmers have to face great difficulties in harvesting their crops and disposing of the stubble.

2. High cost and low profit

Pollution causes deterioration in the quality of both soil and crop. Due to this, farmers have to resort to expensive fertilizers and pesticides, which increases their cost and reduces profit.

3. Health problems

Pollution does not only affect crops; The health of farmers also deteriorates. Farmers working in the fields are at increased risk of respiratory diseases, eye irritation and skin diseases.

4. Lack of alternative means for stubble management

Many farmers have no other option but to burn stubble, as machines required for stubble management such as Happy Seeder, Super Straw Management System, and Bio-decomposer technology are not accessible or affordable to every farmer. This problem is even more serious for small and marginal farmers.

5. Lack of income from crop residue

There is a lack of infrastructure and market to convert stubble and crop residue into energy production or other useful means. Due to this, farmers lose the opportunity to earn income from these residues. In such a situation, they consider burning stubble as the easiest option.

6. Increasing risk of natural disasters and weather changes

Due to climate change caused by pollution, the weather has become uncertain. Disasters such as lack of timely rains, hailstorms and extreme temperatures destroy crops. This particularly affects small farmers, as they have limited financial resources to recover from losses. 

Effective steps towards solution

1. Local community based measures

• Cooperative model: Stubble management equipment and resources can be shared by forming cooperative societies at the village level. This will help reduce costs and better use of resources.

• Shared responsibility: Farmers, local bodies, and panchayats can come together and make collective plans to tackle pollution.

2. Organic farming and natural agriculture

• Organic farming not only improves crop quality, but also protects soil fertility and the environment.

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): This technique helps farmers reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

• Use of organic manure and Jeevamrit: Pollution can be avoided by making compost from stubble and other organic waste.

3. Commercial use of stubble

• Stubble can be used as raw material in plywood, cardboard, and paper industries. For this, there is a need to increase contact between farmers and industries.

• Biofuel production: Technologies for converting stubble into ethanol and biogas should be promoted.

4. Cultivation of air purifying plants

• Plants that absorb air pollution can be cultivated on the sides of the fields. Such as:

• Bamboo

• Basil

• Aloe Vera

• Money Plant

5. Agricultural pollution data monitoring

• Real-time data system: Farmers should be given devices and mobile apps to provide information on air pollution, soil quality, and environmental conditions in the fields.

• Drone and satellite monitoring: Technological solutions to monitor the impact of pollution in the fields.

6. Pollution-friendly seeds and crops

• Development of new crop varieties: Scientists are developing crops that are friendly to air pollution and climate change.

• Crops requiring less water and fertilizer: Emphasis should be laid on increasing the production of millets, barley, and other coarse grains.

7. Training for crop residue management

• The process of stubble management and making organic fertilizer should be taught through Kisan Melas and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK).

• Technical information should be given for setting up vermicompost and cow dung gas plants from crop residues.

8. Solar energy and other green energy sources

• Solar energy can be used for equipment used in the fields and irrigation. This will reduce fuel consumption and pollution.

• Solar pumps: Solar pumps should be made available to farmers on subsidy.

9. Pollution-resistant agricultural technology

• Protected cultivation: Crops can be protected from pollution and weather uncertainties by cultivating in greenhouses and polyhouses.

• Hydroponics and Aquaponics: These techniques allow farming without soil, thereby reducing the direct impact of pollution.

10. Innovation in Agriculture Sector

• Agri-Tech Startups: Startups providing stubble management, smart farming, and organic solutions should be promoted.

• Digital Solutions: AI based apps and tools should be popularised among farmers to understand crop care and the impact of pollution. 

11. Carbon Credit and Incentive Schemes

• Farmers should be motivated to adopt organic and green agriculture by providing them information about carbon credit.

• Farmers should be provided incentives for pollution-reducing activities.

12. Biomass power plant at local level

• Instead of burning agricultural residues, they should be used for energy production in biomass power plants. This will give farmers an option to sell stubble.

13. Public-Private Partnership (PPP Model)

• Cooperation between private companies and the government should be increased in agriculture and pollution management. This will increase both technical resources and investment.

14. Climate-focused education and awareness

• Children should be taught about pollution and its solutions at the school level, so that they can grow up to become responsible citizens.

• Special campaigns should be run to make farmers and their families aware.

15. Pollution alert system at village level

• Equipment should be installed in panchayats and villages to measure pollution levels. Farmers should be alerted from time to time and solutions should be suggested.

Government schemes: Measures to protect farmers from air pollution and agricultural crisis

The Government of India and the state governments are running several schemes and programs to solve the problems faced by farmers due to air pollution. These schemes have been implemented to manage stubble, improve farming, reduce the impact of climate change and improve the economic condition of farmers. Let us discuss these schemes in detail:

1. National Green Tribunal (NGT) Guidelines

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued strict guidelines to ban stubble burning. Under this, farmers are being encouraged to adopt alternative methods instead of burning stubble.

Benefits:

• Farmers are helped to avoid fines and protect their income.

• The use of stubble management techniques is promoted.

2. Straw Management Scheme

Custom Hiring Center

The government has set up custom hiring centers to provide equipment for straw management. These centers provide equipment like Happy Seeder, Super Straw Management System, and Rotavator on rent to farmers at subsidized rates.

Subsidy on Machinery

• Small and marginal farmers are being given 50-80% subsidy.

• Assistance in purchasing straw cutting and field clearing machines like Happy Seeder and Straw Baler.

Example:

The government allocated Rs 700 crore in 2023-24 under the straw management scheme in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)

This scheme helps make agriculture climate-friendly and help farmers deal with pollution. Under this, emphasis is laid on improving soil quality, promoting organic farming, and increasing the use of smart irrigation techniques.

Key Initiatives:

• Soil Health Card: This card is issued to farmers to inform them about the quality of their soil and the fertilizers required.

• Drip and sprinkler irrigation: Water management techniques that make the soil less polluted and more fertile.

4. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

This scheme provides financial assistance to farmers, enabling them to invest in stubble management, organic farming, and other technological solutions.

Benefits:

• Financial assistance of ₹6000 annually to each farmer.

• Farmers get help in purchasing expensive fertilizers and equipment.

5. National Bio-Energy Mission

Under this scheme, incentives are given to use agricultural residues in energy production instead of burning them.

Objectives:

• Production of bio-gas, bio-coal and electricity from stubble and other agricultural residues.

• Providing an option for farmers to sell stubble.

Example:

• Many bio-ethanol plants have been set up in Punjab and Haryana, where farmers can sell their stubble and earn income.

6. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

This insurance scheme has been launched to compensate for the loss of crops due to pollution and climate change.

Benefits:

• Crop insurance to farmers at low premium.

• Provision of compensation in case of loss of yield due to natural calamities, untimely rains and pollution.

Improvements in crop insurance:

• Losses occurring up to 14 days after harvesting are also covered.

• Faster distribution of compensation through digitalized process. 

7. Pilot Projects for Stubble Management

Punjab and Haryana Model:

• State governments launched several campaigns to make farmers aware about the prevention of stubble burning.

• Stubble management equipment has been made available at the panchayat level.

Delhi Government Example:

• The Delhi government has successfully experimented with converting stubble into manure using bio-decomposer spray. This technology is also being adopted in other states.

8. Digitization of Agricultural Equipment

Farm Machinery Bank:

• A common platform for small and marginal farmers where they can rent modern agricultural equipment.

• The digitized system gives farmers information about the availability of equipment and their cost.

Agriculture Apps:

The government has launched several mobile apps that provide information to farmers on stubble management, crop advice, and equipment.

9. Fertilizer Subsidy

The government has provided subsidy on organic and non-chemical fertilizers to tackle the decline in soil fertility due to pollution.

Promotion of Organic Farming:

• Farmers are being trained and encouraged to use organic manures and pesticides.

• Organic farming is being given subsidy and support under the ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ (PKVY).

10. Awareness Campaign for Farmers

Farmers are being made aware through government and non-government organizations on:

• Harmful effects of stubble burning.

• Benefits of organic farming and stubble management techniques.

• How to avail government schemes.

Methods:

• Kisan melas, radio programmes, and mobile messages.

• Training through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

It is important for farmers to take full advantage of these schemes and adopt new technologies and innovations by abandoning traditional methods like stubble burning.

Did you know?

Did you know?

• Ozone (O₃) pollution damages about 35 million tonnes of crop production every year in India alone, with an estimated economic loss of ₹1.25 lakh crore.

• Air pollution can reduce the productivity of wheat and rice by 15-20%, which seriously affects food security.

• Pollution causes the level of vitamins and minerals in plants to fall, which also affects their nutritional quality.

• Acid rain affects the fertility of 10 lakh hectares of agricultural land in India every year.

• Carcinogenic elements are found in the smoke produced by burning stubble, which is dangerous not only for the farmers but also for the health of the urban population.

• Air pollution disorients bees and pollinators, leading to a 10% drop in fruit and vegetable production in India.

• Air pollution affects small and marginal farmers, resulting in a 25% drop in their income.

• Around 30 million tonnes of stubble are burnt every year in Punjab and Haryana, which causes more than 10 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

• Using bio-decomposer technology, 2.5 quintals of organic manure can be produced from 1 acre of stubble, reducing fertilizer costs.

• The agriculture sector in India contributes 17% of greenhouse gas emissions, of which air pollution is a major contributor.

• Ammonia (NH₃) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) gases enter the soil from the atmosphere and destroy up to 5% of soil organic matter every year.

• Planting pollution-friendly plants like bamboo and neem along the farm edges can improve air quality by up to 30%.

• 2.2 million children are born with low birth weight every year in India due to air pollution, most of whom are from farming families.

• Alternative use of stubble burning can increase the average income of farmers in Punjab and Haryana by ₹10,000 per season.

The impact of air pollution is affecting every aspect of our lives, and farmers are the worst affected by it. They have to struggle every day to save their produce and reduce costs. The government, the private sector, and common citizens have to come together to find a solution to this problem. We can deal with this crisis only through smart farming, stubble management, and by making farmers aware.

Let us all come together and be a part of such schemes and efforts that not only help farmers but also make our agriculture pollution-free and prosperous.