Setting Fire to Straw
Stubble burning is the practice of intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, such as rice and wheat, have been harvested. The technique is still widespread today, particularly in India and other parts of Asia.
Credit:
Flickr
Why do farmers burn stubble?
• To clear their fields quickly and efficiently for the next
round of planting.
• To remove weeds and pests from the field.
• To improve soil fertility by adding nutrients from the
ash.
The negative effects of stubble burning
Stubble burning has a number of negative effects. Swipe to read about them…
Credit:
Flickr
Air pollution
Stubble burning releases smoke and pollutants into the air, which can cause respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Credit:
Flickr
Soil degradation
Stubble burning destroys organic matter in the soil, which can reduce soil fertility and make it more susceptible to erosion.
Credit:
Wikimedia Commons
Climate change
Stubble burning releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which contribute to climate change.
Credit:
Flickr
What can be done to reduce stubble burning?
There are a number of things that can be done to reduce stubble burning. Swipe to read about them…
Credit:
Wikimedia Commons
Turn the stubble into fertiliser
Many scientists and environment activists have suggested that the leftover straw stubble, with some modifications, can be turned into an organic fertiliser.
Credit:
Flickr
Financial incentives to farmers
Governments can provide financial incentives to farmers for not burning stubble.
Credit:
Flickr
Alternative methods
Farmers can use alternative methods to clear their fields, such as stubble mulchers or rotary tillers.
Credit:
Flickr
Crop rotation
Farmers can rotate crops to reduce the need to burn stubble.
Credit:
Flickr
View More Web Stories