Why Does the Stubble Burning Problem Persist in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh?
Every year, as the paddy harvesting season ends, a thick haze covers northern India. The burning of paddy stubble — the leftover crop residue — becomes a major contributor to air pollution across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and now parts of Madhya Pradesh. Despite years of government initiatives, farmers continue to resort to stubble burning as a quick and cost-effective method to clear fields before sowing the next crop.
This recurring problem not only deteriorates air quality but also affects soil fertility and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Understanding the economic, technological, and behavioral factors behind stubble burning is essential for designing long-term solutions.
More than 20 million tonnes of paddy straw are burnt annually in north-western India, contributing to nearly 40% of winter air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic belt. While the Central Government has spent over ₹11,477 crore since 2017 under the Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme, progress remains slow. Farmers cite high labour costs, delays in machinery distribution, and lack of viable markets for straw as reasons for continuing the practice.
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In 2017, NITI Aayog established a task force to combat crop residue burning, proposing coordinated steps between states and the Centre. The plan encouraged farmers to adopt mechanised solutions such as Super Straw Management Systems (SMS), Happy Seeders, and balers to manage residue without burning. Yet, adoption rates remain low in small and marginal holdings.
Government Efforts and Financial Support (2018–2025)
| Program / Scheme | Funding (₹ Cr) | Objective / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Central CRM Scheme (2018–2025) | 3,623.45 | Purchase and distribution of crop residue machinery to farmers |
| Punjab Allocation | 30% | State received highest support due to intensity of burning |
| Haryana Allocation | 23% | Strong adoption of Happy Seeder technology observed |
| Uttar Pradesh Allocation | 21% | Rapidly expanding CRM custom hiring centers (CHCs) |
| Madhya Pradesh Support | Low | Recently showing upward trend in burning incidents |
Recent data from the CREAMS dashboard shows a year-on-year increase in fire events in Madhya Pradesh even as Punjab and Haryana report gradual improvement. The analysis suggests that immediate policy support is required for Madhya Pradesh before the pattern becomes entrenched like in Punjab.
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Challenges in Tackling Stubble Burning
- Limited access to crop residue management machines due to cost and maintenance barriers.
- Delayed government subsidy distribution and lack of local awareness campaigns.
- Weak straw collection and aggregation systems, making alternative use unprofitable.
- Absence of state-level monitoring plans equivalent to Delhi’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- High dependency on paddy-wheat rotation cycles that leave narrow windows for field clearing.
Suggested Measures for Punjab and Madhya Pradesh
- Customised State Action Plans: Develop local-level graded action frameworks aligned with air quality management and climate resilience goals.
- Agro-Based Supply Chains: Promote paddy straw utilisation as feedstock for biomass power plants, paper, ethanol, and biochar units.
- Farmer Incentives: Provide direct cash or carbon credit-based incentives to farmers adopting in-situ CRM methods.
- Research Collaboration: Involve agricultural universities to study fire radiative power and identify region-specific crop rotation alternatives.
- Private Participation: Encourage agri-tech firms to set up straw collection networks and produce value-added byproducts.
Key Terms Explained
- Stubble Burning: The intentional burning of leftover crop residue after harvest to quickly prepare fields for the next crop.
- CRM (Crop Residue Management): Techniques that manage crop waste sustainably using machinery such as Happy Seeder and Super Straw Management System.
- In-situ CRM: Managing crop residue within the field without removing it — preventing air pollution and preserving soil nutrients.
- Ex-situ CRM: Collecting residue for industrial use like biofuel, compost, or biomass energy.
Experts suggest that building a circular economy model around crop residue could solve multiple problems — improving farmer income, reducing pollution, and strengthening the bioenergy sector. A well-coordinated action plan at both Central and State levels, backed by technology and financial incentives, remains the way forward.
Investor Takeaway
Indian-Share-Tips.com Nifty Expert Gulshan Khera, CFP®, who is also a SEBI Regd Investment Adviser, highlights that solving India’s stubble burning challenge could unlock multi-billion opportunities in clean energy, agri-tech, and carbon credit markets. He adds that sustainable agri-solutions not only curb emissions but also create employment in rural economies through biomass and ethanol production.
Discover more such actionable environmental insights and sustainable market opportunities at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.
Related Queries on Environmental Management
- Why Has Stubble Burning Increased in Madhya Pradesh?
- What Are the Sustainable Alternatives to Crop Residue Burning in Punjab?
- How Can India Build a Circular Economy Using Agricultural Waste?
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.
