In order to address the problem of air pollution brought on by the burning of stubble and crop residue in North India, holistic solutions must be developed. Talk about it. (Answer in 250 words)
Soil salinity poses a significant challenge to agricultural practices in the coastal regions of India. It affects crop growth, soil fertility, and overall agricultural productivity. Here's how it impacts agriculture and the measures taken to mitigate its effects: Impact of Soil Salinity 1. Reduced CRead more
Soil salinity poses a significant challenge to agricultural practices in the coastal regions of India. It affects crop growth, soil fertility, and overall agricultural productivity. Here’s how it impacts agriculture and the measures taken to mitigate its effects:
Impact of Soil Salinity
1. Reduced Crop Yields: High salinity levels lead to osmotic stress in plants, reducing water uptake and nutrient absorption. This results in stunted growth and lower crop yields.
2. Soil Degradation: Salinity can deteriorate soil structure, making it hard and impermeable. This affects root penetration and water infiltration, further hindering plant growth.
3. Limited Crop Variety: Saline conditions restrict the types of crops that can be cultivated, often limiting farmers to salt-tolerant varieties. This can reduce biodiversity and affect local food security.
4. Economic Losses: Reduced agricultural productivity due to soil salinity can lead to economic losses for farmers, impacting their livelihoods.
Mitigation Measures
1. Salt-Tolerant Crop Varieties: The development and cultivation of salt-tolerant crop varieties, such as certain rice and wheat strains, help in sustaining agriculture in saline soils.
2. Improved Irrigation Practices: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques, like drip and sprinkler systems, helps to manage soil salinity by minimizing waterlogging and salt accumulation.
3. Soil Amendments: The application of gypsum and organic matter can help to displace sodium ions, improving soil structure and reducing salinity levels.
4. Drainage Systems: Installing proper drainage systems helps in leaching excess salts from the soil, preventing their accumulation.
5. Agroforestry and Shelterbelts: Planting salt-tolerant trees and shrubs along coastal areas can act as natural barriers against saline water intrusion and reduce soil salinization.
6. Water Management: Using saline-resistant aquifers and rainwater harvesting can provide fresh water for irrigation, reducing the reliance on saline groundwater.
In conclusion, while soil salinity poses significant challenges to agriculture in India’s coastal regions, a combination of advanced agricultural practices, crop management, and sustainable water use can mitigate its impact, ensuring continued agricultural productivity and economic stability.
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Crop residue and stubble burning has long continued to be a perennial menace after the post-harvest of paddy in North Indian states especially Haryana, UP, Punjab and Rajasthan. The practice of stubble- burning is a chronic problem caused by the vicious wheat-paddy cycle, free power to run tube-wellRead more
Crop residue and stubble burning has long continued to be a perennial menace after the post-harvest of paddy in North Indian states especially Haryana, UP, Punjab and Rajasthan. The practice of stubble- burning is a chronic problem caused by the vicious wheat-paddy cycle, free power to run tube-wells and other subsidies on seeds and fertilisers even at the cost of precious subsoil water.
After harvesting of paddy, there is a short window of two to three weeks for farmers to ready their fields for the next crop, i.e. wheat. Consequently, they set the stubble on fire without bothering about the consequences.
This leads to following issues:
Though the government provides incentives and subsidised machines for small and marginal farmers and has also declared stringent measures such as Section 188 of the IPC and the Air and Pollution Control Act of 1981, stubble burning remains a major issue in North India. Therefore, diverse and holistic long-term solutions need to be devised, such as:
Practices like the Gram Panchayat of Balloh village in Bathinda, which had announced Rs. 500 per acre subsidy for not burning stubble in the fields can be emulated as a model practice. Coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and aggressive campaigning and awareness of ill-effects of stubble burning on human life and soil health among the farming community must go hand in hand.
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