Stubble burning in Punjab, India

Abstract

In recent years, air pollution has become a serious social problem in North India, including the Delhi National Capital Region. One factor contributing to the deterioration of air quality in North India, particularly in late October and November, is the burning of agricultural residues, or stubble burning in neighbouring states. In this study, questionnaire surveys and interviews were conducted to estimate the proportion and regional nature of stubble burning in Punjab. The results showed that there were clear regional differences within Punjab in the ratio of stubble burning in village-level. The ratio was particularly high in Malwa region in the southern part of the state, where late maturing varieties of both Kharif-season rice and Rabi-season wheat were grown for a longer growing season to obtain higher yields, suggesting that farmers' choice of varieties, oriented towards maximising profits, is one of the causes of stubble burning.