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Dealing with crop residue burning

Blaming farmers will not solve the problem. Stopping free power for irrigation and the transfer of the same subsidy to farmers in other forms alone will make a significant difference

Most farmers settle for the easy and almost zero-cost option — of putting the straw on fire to reduce it to ashes. This takes little time, involves no cost for the farmer but is environmentally hazardous
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Most farmers settle for the easy and almost zero-cost option — of putting the straw on fire to reduce it to ashes. This takes little time, involves no cost for the farmer but is environmentally hazardous

Ramesh Chand
Severe pollution in Delhi and other parts of north-west India during October and November has become a regular phenomenon for some years now. Though several factors contribute to this crisis, the burning of residues of paddy crop in the neighbouring states is held responsible for driving pollution to such dangerously high levels. In order to find a durable solution for this recurring problem it is important to look at the genesis of paddy stubble burning and explore options to turn farmers away from such unhealthy practices.

Traditionally, crop residue (stalks, straw and stubble) was used as fodder for livestock or as
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