Stubble Burning: Government’s Harsh Stance and Its Consequences

The Haryana government’s recent stringent actions against farmers over stubble burning have sparked widespread anger and concern among the farming community. The arrest of 13 farmers, the issuance of "Red Entry" orders, and the prohibition of selling crops in the mandis have only added fuel to the fire. These measures are not just unfair but also impractical, as they do nothing but aggravate the farmers' problems.

So far, the Haryana government has made 'Red Entries' for 368 farmers in 653 cases of stubble burning. These farmers will not be able to sell their crops in the market for the next two years. Such measures will not only weaken their financial condition but also increase their resentment. Such repressive policies serve only to widen the gap between the government and farmers.

Farmers were already upset with the previous Haryana government. The recent arrests and orders barring farmers from selling their produce have inflamed the situation further. It seems the policymakers have left their common sense behind, failing to grasp a simple truth: this problem cannot be resolved through punitive actions alone. Farmers are facing ground realities and practical challenges that need to be understood before enforcing such medieval and tribal justice policies, which are not only unjust to the farmers but also against the broader interests of the nation.

No one can deny that stubble burning is a serious environmental issue, but to place the blame solely on the farmers is an incomplete narrative. One must understand the compulsion under which farmers operate. Disposing of stubble is an expensive and time-consuming process that imposes a significant financial burden on them. Using tractors and water to incorporate stubble into the soil costs more than Rs 5,000 per acre, which is an unbearable load for small and marginal farmers. Moreover, the tight farming schedule forces them to burn stubble to prepare for the next crop.

Challenges Faced by Farmers and Practicality:

Farmers are in a hurry to prepare their fields for the next crop immediately after harvest. If the stubble is left in the fields to decompose naturally, it takes time, causing delays and potential losses for the next planting cycle. “A farmer who misses the right time is like a monkey that misses the branch and falls flat on the ground.” In such a situation, farmers neither have the time nor the economic means to invest in managing the stubble.

Environmentalists and researchers worldwide have recognized the root of this problem. Norwegian climate expert Erik Solheim states, “Sustainable farming is only possible when environmental policies are framed considering farmers’ needs. The farmer is not the enemy of the environment; he is its ally.” This perspective underscores the need for sustainable solutions rather than holding farmers responsible.

Exploring Alternatives and the Government's Role:

While it is true that stubble burning causes environmental harm and increases air pollution, the solution does not lie in penalizing farmers. The government must work with farmers to find a practical solution. It is the government’s responsibility to offer alternatives that are feasible and in farmers’ best interests. Farmers should be provided with technical support, resources, and financial aid to adopt alternatives to stubble burning.

There are already several pilot projects in Punjab and Haryana where stubble is being used to create organic fertilizers or energy. However, these initiatives will only succeed if farmers receive sufficient financial support and technical guidance to implement these solutions. I believe that before taking punitive action, the government should understand the farmers' challenges and find practical solutions for them. Imposing an outright ban on stubble burning and punishing farmers will only push them deeper into crisis.

Farmers across the country feel that the government is seeking revenge on them for their previous protests. Many believe that before putting farmers in jail for environmental violations, the government should have the courage to act against the owners of millions of polluting vehicles in cities and the industrialists running factories that spew poisonous smoke into the atmosphere day and night. Numerous factories in the country continue to violate environmental regulations and the rulings of the Green Tribunal by dumping waste into rivers and constantly emitting toxic gases into the air. However, the government has never jailed a single industrialist for environmental offences.

Because the farmer is isolated, poor, and lacks solidarity, the government finds it easy to target him whenever it pleases. These same governments, after winning elections, promptly withdraw all cases against themselves, calling them political matters, while the farmers who were jailed for protesting remain behind bars, with no one to advocate for them. Such actions are sowing deep resentment among farmers, and this sentiment could eventually reach a boiling point.

Before putting farmers in jail, the government must remember that there is neither enough space in the jails, nor sufficient funds in the treasury, nor enough food in the warehouses to imprison and feed 16 crore farmer families (equating to nearly 80 crore people).

Need for the Best and Most Acceptable Solution:

Solving the problem of stubble burning requires a collective approach. The government must create balanced policies that protect both the environment and the economic conditions of farmers. International experts agree that any environmental policy will only succeed if implemented in a socially and economically sound manner.

In Conclusion...Farmer organizations clearly believe that instead of adopting harsh policies, the government should engage in dialogue with farmers to find a solution. A robust and practical policy should be developed, considering both the economic conditions of farmers and the need to protect the environment. Farmers will only adopt alternatives to stubble burning if they are provided with the necessary resources and support.

The government should rethink its harsh approach and work with farmer organizations and experts to find a solution to this problem. If the government initiates this process, the All India Farmers Alliance is ready to discuss this issue with farmers and farmer organizations to find a middle ground. Ignoring farmers' problems is not a long-term solution; working with them is the only way forward toward a sustainable and successful agricultural system.