How governmentality exacerbates the problem of farmer’s stubble burning

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Topic: GS3 – Agriculture

Context

The article discusses how government policies, especially the Minimum Support Price system, unintentionally promote stubble burning in India, worsening air pollution.

Introduction to Stubble Burning and Pollution

• Stubble burning in India contributes significantly to air pollution, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

• During October and November, the region experiences heavy pollution due to stubble burning, vehicle emissions, and industrial activity.

• Stubble burning, primarily in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is the cheapest method for preparing the soil for the next crop.

 

Impact on Air Quality

• Studies have shown that stubble burning leads to a spike in particulate matter (PM2.5) levels, contributing 20%-40% to air pollution during peak months.

• The burning of rice chaff is responsible for worsening the already bad air quality in cities like Delhi.

Governmentality and Market Failure

• The government’s policies, particularly the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system, unintentionally promote stubble burning.

• MSP supports wheat and rice production, but this encourages mono-cropping and dependency on short-term methods.

• Farmers face contradictions, as the government penalizes stubble burning without offering viable alternatives.

Farmers’ Struggles and Market Dependence

• Farmers are caught in a cycle of debt and dependency on middlemen (arhtiyas), who control crop prices and credit.

• The stagnant MSP rates fail to cover the rising costs of cultivation, pushing farmers towards unsustainable practices like stubble burning.

• Farmers view the government as prioritizing urban-industrial interests over rural communities.

Proposed Solutions

• The study suggests creating a market for stubble-based products like fodder, energy pellets, and packaging materials to increase farmers’ income and address climate challenges.

• There is a need to improve market mechanisms for farm-waste and develop policies to support this market.

• Regulatory measures could include banning stubble burning, managing it through permits, or incentivizing stubble use.

Key Interventions

• Fair pricing for farmers’ produce and reducing inefficiencies in the market are crucial.

• Addressing the socio-economic pressures on farmers and reducing their reliance on aspirational consumption could help improve their financial stability.

• State and market actors need to collaborate for effective policy and market interventions to resolve this systemic issue.

PYQ: Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three megacities of the country but the air pollution is a much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2015)

Practice Question: Examine how the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system and government policies contribute to the practice of stubble burning in India. Suggest measures to address the issue. (150 Words /10 marks)