Can Delhi And Outskirts Breathe Fresh Air Ever?

Words Dr. RaviKumar

The problem of agricultural waste in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh has turned grim and is badly affecting the environmental status of the country’s capital. It has become so serious a concern that many surveys have warned that Delhi has become unfit and hazardous for the living habitat. Many GO’s and NGO’s are working to help suffocating Delhi breathe fresh air. But there is a dire need to probe into the deep roots of the problem for curbing this menace at the earliest. In this article Dr. Ravikumar Vidule finds some scientific facts and suggests some measures to tackle the situation. 

Indian Culture – AGRICULTURE

India’s rich cultural heritage is deeply intertwined with its agricultural practices, reflecting the nation’s historical, social, and economic evolution. Agriculture is not merely an occupation but a way of life that shapes the cultural identity of the Indian populace. The dictum “Indian Culture – AGRICULTURE,” highlights the central role of farming in the daily lives, festivals, and traditions of the society.

From ancient times, agriculture has been the backbone of India’s economy and continues to be a vital sector supporting the livelihoods of millions. The diverse climatic conditions across different states of India allow for a variety of crops to be grown, contributing to a vibrant agricultural landscape. However, as modern agricultural practices evolve, there is a growing concern about the environmental impact, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. 

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Factors Responsible for Agricultural Pollution

Chemical Fertilizers: The extensive use of chemical fertilizers in these states leads to the release of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG). These fertilizers are often overused to maximize crop yields, leading to nutrient runoff into water bodies, which causes water pollution and eutrophication. 

Pesticides: Pesticides, including herbicides and insecticides, are used extensively to protect crops from pests and diseases. However, these chemicals can contaminate soil and water sources, harming non-target species, including beneficial insects, birds, aquatic life, and humans.

Crop Residue Burning: After the harvest of crops like rice and wheat, farmers often burn the leftover stubble. This practice is prevalent in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh due to the quick turnaround required for the next planting season. Burning is seen as a quick and cost-effective method to clear fields, but it has severe environmental consequences.

 This practice releases large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and GHGs such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants contribute to severe air pollution, especially in Delhi, creating thick smog and deteriorating air quality.

Soil Degradation: Chemical Overload: Persistent use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides degrades soil quality, soil pH, reducing its fertility and leading to soil erosion. Soil degradation decreases agricultural productivity and can lead to desertification. Degraded soil is less able to retain water and nutrients, affecting crop growth and yields.

Strategies to Control Agricultural Pollution- Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices

The Need for Regenerative Farming:

India’s agricultural sector, rich in traditions, now faces severe environmental challenges due to conventional farming methods. Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to soil degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss. As the population grows and food demand rises, there is an urgent need to shift to regenerative farming. This approach focuses on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, restoring ecological balance and ensuring sustainable agricultural productivity. “Jai Kisan, Jai Dharti” (Hail the Farmer, Hail the Earth) captures this spirit of regeneration.

Regenerative farming offers a holistic solution for sustainable development in India. Practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and agroforestry enhance soil organic matter and biodiversity, making farms more resilient to climate change. Implementing regenerative farming can transform India’s agricultural landscape, preserving its cultural heritage while ensuring a sustainable future. “Swasth Dharti, Swasth Jeevan” (Healthy Earth, Healthy Life), “Soil is Soul.”

Crop Diversification: Crop diversification is essential for the sustainable future of Indian agriculture, promoting soil health, reducing pest and disease vulnerability, and enhancing food security. By rotating and intercropping various crops, farmers can break the cycle of soil nutrient depletion and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This approach not only boosts yields and resilience against climate change but also supports biodiversity and economic stability for farming communities. “Vividhta mein Samriddhi” (Prosperity in Diversity) and “Har Fasal, Har Mausam” (Every Crop, Every Season) capture the essence and benefits of crop diversification for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.

Agriculture waste Management: 

Effective residue management is critical for sustainable agriculture, transforming agricultural waste into valuable resources rather than pollutants. Traditional practices like burning crop residues lead to severe air pollution and loss of soil nutrients. Instead, converting these residues into biofertilizers and biochar offers a sustainable solution. Biofertilizers, made from decomposed organic matter, enrich the soil with essential nutrients and promote microbial activity, enhancing soil fertility and structure. This practice not only reduces the dependency on chemical fertilizers but also improves crop yields and resilience. “Kheton ka Khazana” highlights the value of using agricultural waste to rejuvenate the soil.

The Diamond of Soil- Biochar is a carbon-rich product derived from organic materials like wood, manure, or leaves through a process called pyrolysis. This process involves heating the organic material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in a stable form of carbon that can be added to soil. Therefore it is called as the “Diamond of Soil.  Biochar having numerous benefits like Soil Fertility: Enhances nutrient retention and availability. 

• Water Retention: Improves soil’s water-holding capacity. 
• Soil Structure: Enhances soil aeration and reduces compaction. 
• Carbon Sequestration: Captures and stores carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. 
• Microbial Habitat: Provides a habitat for beneficial soil microorganisms

Biochar is poised to revolutionize future agricultural practices, offering a sustainable solution to soil degradation and climate change. When applied to soil, maintain soil pH, and boosts nutrient availability. Incorporating biochar into farming practices turns agricultural waste into a climate solution and soil enhancer.  In coming future biochar becomes the secrete to sustainable agriculture.  

Carbon Credits: Empowering Indian Farmers for a Greener Future

Carbon credits offer a powerful incentive for Indian farmers to engage in agroforestry, afforestation, reforestation, and regenerative farming practices. By adopting these eco-friendly techniques, farmers can earn carbon credits for the carbon dioxide they sequester or the emissions they reduce, providing them with an additional income stream.

Carbon Credits: A Pathway to Sustainable Agriculture

The introduction of carbon credits in India promotes sustainable agriculture by encouraging farmers to adopt practices that are both economically beneficial and environmentally sustainable. Regenerative farming techniques, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage, not only enhance soil fertility but also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The burning of agricultural residues in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh poses a severe threat to Delhi’s air quality and exacerbates global warming. This practice releases large amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, and toxic pollutants, significantly contributing to climate change and the capital’s infamous smog. The seasonal stubble burning not only deteriorates air quality, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases among Delhi’s residents but also accelerates global warming by increasing atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. “स्वच्छवायु, स्वस्थजीवन“ underscores the urgent need to adopt sustainable residue management practices to protect both health and the environment while mitigating climate change.

About the Author

Dr. Ravikumar Ramlu Vidule
Climate Researcher
&
Associate Professor
Dept. of Chemistry,
IQAC Coordinator
RUSA Coordinator.
SSGM College, Loha Dist. Nanded.(MS).

(India CSR)