Stubble Burning by Riti, 7th Standard, Swami Nitanand Global Residential School

Stubble burning refers to the practice of setting fire to the crop residue left behind after a harvest. It is a common practice in many agricultural regions, including parts of India, China, and Southeast Asia.

While stubble burning can help to clear fields quickly and prepare them for the next planting season, it also has negative environmental and health consequences. The smoke generated by stubble burning contains a variety of air pollutants, including carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds. Exposure to these pollutants can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health issues, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

In addition to health risks, stubble burning can also contribute to climate change by releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The burning of crop residues contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases, which can have long-term effects on the climate.

To address the negative impacts of stubble burning, many governments and organizations have encouraged the adoption of alternative practices, such as no-till farming and the use of crop residue for animal feed or biomass energy production. No-till farming involves leaving the crop residue on the field and planting the next crop directly into the residue, which can help to maintain soil health and reduce the need for tillage.

In addition, the use of crop residue for animal feed or biomass energy production can provide a valuable resource while reducing the amount of residue that needs to be burned. This practice also helps to create new income streams for farmers and can support rural development.

Overall, stubble burning is a harmful agricultural practice that has negative environmental and health consequences. The adoption of alternative practices that reduce the need for stubble burning can help to create a more sustainable and healthier agricultural system.