To combat the problem, exploring sustainable alternatives like adopting farm mechanisation techniques is crucial.
In this post you will explore how farm mechanisation solutions can help tackle stubble burning and promote sustainable farming practices.
What is Stubble Burning?
Stubble burning, in the Indian context, refers to the burning of crop residues after the Kharif crops have been harvested. It is a traditional method to prepare the land before sowing the seeds for the Rabi crops. It is also known as parali burning in the local language. It takes place mainly in October and November in Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Even though it is for a short period, it is highly polluting and toxic to the environment and human health.
Understanding the Stubble Burning Problem
Before discussing the mechanisation solutions, it is important to understand the reasons behind stubble burning. Farmers often resort to this practice due to the following reasons:
- Farmers have a limited window to prepare their fields for the next planting season. Removing crop residues manually can be time-consuming, especially when there is pressure to sow the next crop.
- Removing crop residues without mechanisation can be expensive and labour-intensive, which makes it a less attractive option for many small-scale farmers.
- There is limited scope for the use of straw left after crop harvesting. Farmers who cannot sell or use the straw prefer to burn it. For instance, the straw of basmati rice is highly used for fodder; hence, the stubble burning in these fields is less.
- Long-standing farming practices that involve stubble burning have been passed down through generations, making it difficult for some farmers to switch to new methods.
But the point to note is that not all farmers resort to stubble burning. Only 25% of paddy stubble is burnt in Haryana compared to 50-60% in Punjab. Moreover, farmers using combine harvesters are likely to resort to stubble burning because the Combines leave about 30 cm of paddy stem intact. As a result, farmers prefer burning the residues as it is a cost-effective and easy option.
How Grim is the Stubble Burning Problem?
Burning approximately 15-20 million tonnes of paddy stubble in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh results in the release of PM2.5 particles at levels that are four to five times greater than the yearly emissions from all vehicles on the roads of Delhi.
To reiterate, the PM2.5 emissions from stubble burning in just 60 days surpass what all vehicles in Delhi emit throughout the year.
Farm Mechanisation Solutions to tackle Stubble burning
Farm mechanisation offers several sustainable alternatives to stubble burning. Some of the critical farm mechanisation solutions are:
Balers and Shredders
Balers and shredders collect and shred crop residues, making them easier to manage and incorporate into the soil. It helps improve soil health and reduces the need for burning.
Zero Tillage and No-Tillage
These techniques involve planting seeds directly into untilled soil or soil with minimal disturbance, which is made possible by specialised equipment. It reduces the need to clear fields of crop residues, as they can be left on the ground without hindering the planting process.
Happy Seeders and Super Seeders
These innovative farm machineries sow the seeds directly into the soil while cutting and incorporating the paddy stubbles. It eliminates the need for post-harvest burning of crop residues.
Mulchers
A mulcher is a farm implement those cuts and shreds stubbles and converts them into mulch to be left over on the field. Over a period, it becomes an organic compost, enriching the soil health and increasing the soil fertility.
Straw Reapers
Straw Reapers are used after the crops have been cut. These innovative farm machines effectively cut and collect the leftover paddy and wheat stubbles to repurpose them as fodder or raw materials for different applications.
Benefits of Farm Mechanisation
The adoption of farm mechanisation solutions comes with numerous benefits:
- By eliminating stubble burning, we can significantly reduce the emission of harmful pollutants, contributing to poor air quality and respiratory issues in farming regions.
- Incorporating crop residues into the soil helps build organic matter and nutrients, enhancing soil fertility and structure.
- Mechanisation reduces the time and labour required for field preparation, allowing farmers to focus on other aspects of farming or diversify their income sources.
- Sustainable practices improve the long-term viability of farming by maintaining soil health and reducing the reliance on costly inputs like synthetic fertilisers.
How Tractorkarvan Can Help in Fostering Farm Mechanisation?
Tackling stubble burning through farm mechanisation solutions is crucial for environmental conservation and the overall sustainability of agriculture. Tractorkarvan can help in fostering the adoption of farm mechanisation solutions.
Tractorkarvan is a leading platform trusted by Indian farmers to fulfil their farm mechanisation dreams. We offer end-to-end assistance to them to explore, buy, sell, and finance their used tractor. In an era where tractors are still not accessible to all, Tractorkarvan makes their second-hand tractor buying experience smoother and more convenient.
In addition to this, we also offer a range of farm implements, harvesters, and Tractors to address all their farming-related requirements.
