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Stubble Burning: Causes, Effects and Alternatives

29 September 20251 min read
ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGYStubble Burning:Causes, Effectsand Alternatives29 September 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Stubble burning drew attention in late 2024 as North West India entered its peak burning season after the paddy harvest.

Key facts

  • Meaning: burning leftover paddy residue to prepare fields for wheat.
  • Cause: combine harvesters leave residue behind.
  • Where and when: Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, October and November.

Effects

  • Toxic pollutants harm human health and soil fertility.
  • Heat reaching deep soil destroys moisture and useful microbes.

Solutions

  • Turbo Happy Seeder clears stubble and sows seeds in one pass.
  • Bio-Decomposer; stubble reused as animal feed, paper, cardboard, manure, charcoal gasification, power and bio-ethanol.
  • The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas prepared action plans.

Exam angle

  • Machine: Turbo Happy Seeder. Body: CAQM.

Test yourself

1. Which machine is cited as an alternative to stubble burning?

The Turbo Happy Seeder is named as an alternative.

2. Stubble burning is mainly prevalent in which season window in North West India?

It is prevalent in October and November.

3. Which body has developed action plans to tackle air pollution linked to stubble burning?

The notes name the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas.