Context;
The Supreme Court of India has recently raised concerns about the discrepancies in satellite data concerning farm fires, provided by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). This data is essential for monitoring air quality in regions such as Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, where stubble burning significantly impacts air pollution levels.
Relevance:
GS III: Environment and Ecology
Dimensions of the Article:
- Challenges with Current Satellite Data on Farm Fires
- Need for Accurate Farm Fire Data
- Definition and Types of Farm Fires
- Crop Residue Management (CRM) Strategies
Challenges with Current Satellite Data on Farm Fires
- Observation Limitations: The data from satellites like NASA’s polar-orbiting types offer a limited observation window, which restricts their effectiveness in capturing farm fire activities in regions like Punjab and Haryana.
- Resolution Issues: Satellites such as India’s INSAT-3DR provide images of low resolution, which are not detailed enough to accurately count or monitor farm fires.
- Data Calibration: There is a significant gap in the calibration and validation of satellite data for the specific conditions prevailing over India, affecting the accuracy of the data.
- Environmental Interference: Cloud cover and atmospheric water vapor can block the sensors on satellites, leading to incomplete or inaccurate data collection.
- Adaptation by Farmers: Farmers in the affected regions have reportedly adjusted their stubble burning schedules to evade detection by satellites, further complicating data accuracy.
- Regulatory Challenges: Despite recognition of data inadequacies by authorities like the Supreme Court and the CAQM, there has been a lack of public disclosure on data adjustments, raising transparency issues.
Need for Accurate Farm Fire Data
- Air Quality Management: Precise data on farm fires is crucial for managing air quality, particularly in the NCR, where stubble burning significantly contributes to air pollution during the colder months.
- Policy Implementation: Reliable farm fire data aids in the formulation and execution of effective agricultural and environmental policies, including crop residue management and pollution control measures.
- Health Impact Mitigation: Accurate data is essential for health officials to forecast pollution spikes and coordinate health advisories and interventions to protect public health against the effects of PM2.5 and other pollutants.
- Resource Allocation: With better data, government agencies can more effectively allocate resources and support to regions that are most impacted by stubble burning.
- Technological Improvements: ISRO’s efforts to refine data processing algorithms and enhance satellite capabilities (e.g., INSAT-3DS improvements and the launch of GISAT-1) aim to overcome existing limitations and provide more reliable fire detection in critical regions.
Definition and Types of Farm Fires
- Purposeful Burning: Farm fires generally involve the intentional setting of fires on agricultural fields to clear leftover crop residue, such as straw and stubble, after harvest. This practice, known as stubble burning, is common in agriculture to prepare fields quickly for the next planting cycle.
- Accidental Fires: Occasionally, farm fires can occur accidentally due to mechanical failures or other unexpected incidents during farming operations.
Concerns Associated with Farm Fires
- Environmental Impact: While being a quick and cost-effective method for field clearing, farm fires significantly contribute to environmental pollution by releasing smoke, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases.
- Soil Health Degradation: The practice leads to the loss of crucial soil nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, which are essential for maintaining soil fertility.
Crop Residue Management (CRM) Strategies
In-Situ Management:
- Mulching: This technique involves leaving the crop residue on the soil surface, which helps protect the soil from erosion and retains moisture.
- No-Till Farming: Seeds are directly sown into the soil without plowing, allowing the residue to cover the soil, which conserves moisture and prevents erosion.
- Strip-Till Farming: Involves tilling narrow strips for planting while leaving the surrounding area undisturbed, helping to maintain soil structure and moisture.
- Crop Rotation: Rotating different crops each season to prevent soil depletion and promote better soil health.
Ex-Situ Management:
- Biomass Power Generation: Crop residues are burned in a controlled environment to generate electricity or heat, offering an alternative energy source and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Animal Feed: Baling residues, particularly from cereal crops, to be used as fodder for livestock.
- Composting: Mixing crop residues with other organic materials to produce compost that enriches the soil with nutrients.
- Industrial Applications: Utilizing crop residues in the manufacturing of various products such as paper, textiles, and building materials.
-Source: The Hindu
