Why in the news?

• The Supreme Court and the Union government clashed over how to address stubble-burning by farmers.

Stubble Burning

• Definition – Stubble burning, also known as parali burning, is the practice of setting fire to leftover crop residue in fields after harvest. This is a prevalent practice in North-West India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Reasons for Stubble Burning:
  • Quick and inexpensive method: Farmers find it to be a quick and cheap way to clear their fields for sowing the next crop.
  • Lack of alternatives: Limited access to or awareness of alternative methods for crop residue management.
• Impacts of Stubble Burning:
  • Air pollution: Stubble burning is a major contributor to air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles, leading to respiratory problems and health issues.
  • Soil degradation: Burning destroys essential nutrients and microbes in the soil, reducing fertility and long-term productivity.
  • Climate change: Releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
• Government Initiatives:
  • National Policy on Sustainable Agriculture (2015): Promotes crop residue management practices.
  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM): Provides subsidies for machinery like Happy Seeder that can sow seeds directly into the stubble.
  • Financial incentives: Schemes to encourage farmers to adopt alternative practices like composting or baling.
  • National Green Tribunal (NGT) bans: Imposed bans on stubble burning with penalties for violations.