The Implications of Stubble Burning

Gist Stubble burning in northwest India persists not merely as an agricultural habit, but as an unintended consequence of state policies designed to conserve groundwater. The Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act, 2009 , delayed paddy sowing to align with monsoons, severely compressing the harvest window before winter wheat sowing. Compounded by skewed minimum support price MSP incentives that discourage crop diversification, farmers resort to burning residue to clear fields quickly. Aspirants must understand that tackling this annual air pollution crisis requires reforming agricultural economics and satellite monitoring methodologies, rather than just penalizing farmers. Background Stubble burning involves setting fire to crop residue left by combine harvesters, releasing harmful particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds while degrading soil fertility and moisture. Before 2009 , paddy was sown earlier, allowing a wider window of time between the paddy harvest and wheat sowing for farmers to manage residue. Severe groundwater depletion—highlighted by a 2009 NASA GRACE satellite study showing a massive loss of 109 cubic kilometres in the region—prompted urgent state intervention. The Punjab Preservation of Sub-Soil Water Act, 2009…