What can farmers do with stubble?

Delhi’s air is toxic. There are several factors responsible for it but a study by SAFAR suggests almost 46 per cent pollutant are contributed by stubble burning in neighbouring states during the beginning of winter season.

Many other factors contribute to the deterioration of the already poor air condition. The pollution levels within the city traditionally see a spike due to bursting of crackers in Diwali. Along with this, the Kharif crops are harvested during the autumn season and the farmers opt to burn off the paddy residue in order to quickly ready the land for the next crop. Adding to this, Delhi, being a developing city, is the host to new constructions year-round, which dent the environment by dispersing dust particles. All of this accumulates for the fall season as the wind speed lowers to nearly a third of its summer counterpart, leaving behind pollution levels that get bumped up to 80 per cent higher than the levels that are seen the rest of the year.

There have been many attempts to resolve the issue but to no avail as either the alternative is expensive for farmers or not feasible for operational reasons. Farmers have been quoted saying, “what could be cheaper than a matchstick?” There could be environmental concerns but farmers who have to make ends meet cannot go for expensive options. It is the responsibility of the government to provide them with compensation or buy the stubble. The apex court has also directed the government in this regard. Many research institutions and private organizations have conducted researches to come out with a feasible solution that solve the issue of burning stubble without burning a hole in the pockets of farmers.

What do we do with the leftover stubble?
In order to better gauge the environmental damage that is inflicted by stubble burning, one must venture out into the villages on the outskirts of Delhi. On a recent trip, we discovered that the entire highway stretch from Delhi via Ghaziabad to Bulandshahr had diminished visibility due to the burning of stubble in the adjoining farms.

Farmers have to ready their fields for sowing Rabi crop by clearing out the stubble and straw of the previous harvest. Burning the harvest residue is just economical, more convenient to them as observed by the Economic Survey of 2017-18: “Once the machine has harvested the crop, the cost of getting the stubble removed is Rs 3,500 per hectare…it is more economical for the farmers to just burn by using 1 Rupee matchbox and clear the fields.”

Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana, announced cash incentives for those reporting such incidents on 1st November. Meanwhile, the Punjab government has initiated action against approximately 3000 farmers for burning stubble. Farmers do not seem to be in a position to change their ways as there is too little time left to clear out the fields for the next seeding and no other feasible option is readily available.

Farmers not happy with ‘Happy Seeder’
In a bid to replace incineration of agricultural residue, the government proposed that the farmers may buy the ‘Happy Seeder’ machine at a 50 per cent subsidy. This machine uproots the stubble while simultaneously planting the seeds for the next harvest. A great tool, at least on paper. Yet, you rarely see them in use and incidents of stubble burning have not come down since the introduction of this machine. Farmers deem the machine ineffective in sowing as it is unable to plant the seeds at an adequate depth, hence making the process more tedious for them. Plus, the machine comes in use only during the month of October, making it useless for the rest of the year. Also, heavy tractors are needed to drive the machine in the fields, hence doubling the investment.

Waste potentially a financial asset
Ironically though, the stubble that has been deemed as a problem could very well be converted into an asset in a number of ways. One such alternative exploits the yet untapped energy potential of the crop residue. Development of biofuel plants, which can convert stubble into Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) is a way the government is trying to implement. The Petroleum Ministry launched the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) scheme through which the government invites entrepreneurs to install Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants in villages.

Devendra Surve, CEO of Star Projects and Consultancy, who is working with the government in the initiative, speaks on how Compressed Bio-Gas would bring down the number of stubble burning cases. He says, “Finding an application for the waste will make it an asset. Converting the crop residue into biogas will successfully change the outlook towards the waste and they won’t burn it as they will be able to generate some income out of it.”

His company will be setting up a biogas generation plant in Bareilly, where farmers would transport their rice paddy and it will be stored on-site by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. However, in order to make such a project a success nationwide some challenges must be addressed. “We need better technology to treat the substance before undergoing the process of conversion. Also, the equipment used in such facilities must be state-of-the-art. Then only would the government be able to attract investors in such projects,” Surve added.

He explained that ensuring farmer support is another challenge. Having strong ties with Farm Producing Organisations (FPOs) is required. For ensuring this, incentivization is necessary. For this, authorities need to take charge of the coordination with the farmers. Technology and investment will follow. For states like Haryana, Punjab or UP, the demand for CBG is huge, so the end product will catch on quickly.

The leftover paddy can also be used by various private players by employing new technologies to convert the “waste” into something useable. Kriya Labs is one such startup. Established under IIT Delhi’s startup incubation wing, they are reusing paddy stubble to make paper pulp. In order to understand their concept and operation better, Pracheer Dutta, co-founder and COO of Kriya Labs spoke to Urban Update. He says, “We are making products from agro-waste by converting the waste, primarily the rice paddy, into cellulosic pulp. This product is used to make paper, biodegradable tableware and even packaging material. We employ a chemical process to do that.”

On their relatively new operation, he said,” We will be collaborating with farmers to set up multiple decentralized units across fields. Farmers would initiate the process by feeding the machines with the waste paddy and obtaining the pulp. The paper produced from this pulp is yellowish in colour, high in quality and can be used in packaging or decoration. After the production, we would be providing them with market assistance as well.”

With this, the startup aims to essentially create a market for the recycled rice paddy, which is burnt off more than any other crop residue, he added. When asked how would they ensure the collection of the rice paddy and remunerate the farmers for it, he said, “We are trying to partner with large farmers of particular regions who would be given the responsibility to collect and incentivize the farmers who have stored the rice paddy.” He also told us that the first of such units are set up in Hisar and will be operational by December.

There could be several other innovations which could be helpful in bringing down air pollution that need to be encouraged and supported by the government. Implementing reuse measures could make a lasting change in the outlook of the farmers towards the stubble and will also have a positive impact on the environment. Seeing that the “waste” can be reused and actually serve as a financial asset to them, they would definitely refrain from incinerating it and hence, a lasting fix to the problem may ensue.