Stubble Burning in Punjab: Problems and Issues

Richa Bansal

Abstract: Punjab, being the Bread Basket of India, is facing many agricultural problems too. Stubble burning is one of the major concern of environmentalists of the state. The main reasons for the above said activity is the poor economic condition of farmers due to which they want economically cheap methods to prepare their fields for next crop. Another reasons for the practice being It quickly clears the field and is the cheapest alternative and kills weeds, including those resistant to herbicide. It kills slugs and other pests and can reduce nitrogen tie-up. The practice leads to huge amounts of air pollution in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi NCR. It also causes loss of soil fertility and moisture. Various sustainable models and alternating methods of using plant stubble have been mentioned in the paper which if adopted can prevent stubble burning and hence, avoid pollution of the air.

Keywords: Stubble, Burning, Air Pollution, Punjab, Soils, Sustainable, Fertility