After the harvest, farmers frequently resort to burning the leftover crop residues in their fields, inadvertently causing significant harm to both the environment and their own agricultural lands. Proper management of these residues, however, can transform them into valuable assets for farmers. According to the Agriculture Department, a substantial portion of crop residues remains unused after harvest, totaling approximately 62 million tons. Of this, around 50 percent is repurposed for constructing roofs of houses, feeding livestock, and as a source of fuel.
The act of burning crop residues not only poses risks to farmers but also exacerbates environmental pollution. It results in the depletion of soil fertility, diminished soil water retention capacity, and a reduction in soil carbon content. Furthermore, it adversely impacts the availability of fodder for livestock.
To address these concerns, the government has implemented penalties for burning crop residues. According to a notification dated March 5, 2017, fines are imposed for this practice. For areas less than two acres, a minimum fine of Rs. 2,500 is enforced, increasing to Rs. 5,000 for areas exceeding two acres, and approximately Rs. 15,000 for burning residues in areas larger than five acres.
Experts advocate for the proper management of crop residues by incorporating them back into the soil instead of resorting to burning. This approach enhances the soil's organic matter content, improves soil structure, and boosts water retention capacity. Additionally, it contributes to enhanced soil fertility. Agricultural machinery can be utilized to plow crop residues deeply into the soil, facilitating the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient recycling. As a result, the soil becomes more fertile, facilitating easier subsequent planting and fostering better air circulation.
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