CAQM Lists Out Key Agri Measures For Farm Management

Ex-situ and in-situ utilization of paddy stubble can result in zero farm fires in the national capital region(NCR), as per officials from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). 

Arvind Nautiyal, member-secretary, CAQM, recommended several measures for farm management on the 2nd day of the two-day Dialogue towards Clean Air initiative organized in Gurugram by the CAQM and the Union environment ministry, including diversification to certain other cash crops, farming of early-maturing varieties of paddy, advancement of biomass in industry sectors and electricity production, and expanded use of biomass decomposers.  

"The Commission has created a framework and is aiming to encourage both in-situ crop residue management (controlling straw on the field using machines) and ex-situ crop residue management" (where straw is taken for diversified usage across industries). Furthermore, effective monitoring and execution of the framework by various governments are essential. We're also aiming to build a reliable supply system so that biomass can be supplied to companies. "We've requested power plants in Delhi to utilize biomass as 5% to 10% of their fuel," Nautiyal added.  

As the air quality in the national capital worsens each winter, the impact of stubble burning to pollution in the NCR becomes a serious problem. Stubble burning in the neighboring states like Punjab and Haryana is commonly blamed for the poor air quality in the region. 

Officials from the Union Environment Ministry said that while stubble burning has decreased over the years, it continues to have a significant impact on air quality in the National Capital Region. During the winter, according to Nautiyal, the smoke produces 42% of the pollution in the NCR. 

According to officials from NTPC Limited, India's largest energy conglomerate, if 5% of biomass is employed in power generation, 35 million tonnes of agricultural stubble can create 50 million units of electricity.  

"We have the potential to use biomass, which can gradually lead to zero farm fires," NTPC executive director Sudip Nag said. We don't even need to make any changes to the country's existing power generation infrastructure. If we need to raise the amount of biomass used as a fuel to 10%, just minor changes are required. Biomass not only has the potential to provide energy, but it can also provide farmers with a source of income."  

Ex-situ agricultural residue management also enhances soil health (since the top layer of the soil isn't burnt) and lowers carbon, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollution emissions, Nag added.