Stubble preserves soil’s fertility, don’t burn it: UP-based expert warns farmers

Lucknow : With the harvesting of Rabi crops underway and wheat—the season’s main crop—set to be harvested in the coming weeks, a leading Uttar Pradesh-based expert has cautioned farmers against stubble burning, warning that it could harm soil productivity.

Dr. DK Singh, Area Manager at IFFCO, says: “Farmers planning to burn wheat stubble after harvesting to prepare for Zayed or Kharif crops must reconsider. Stubble burning not only damages the fields but also depletes their fertility. It destroys essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash (NPK), along with billions of beneficial soil bacteria and fungi, ultimately harming long-term agricultural productivity.”

Notably, the Yogi government has announced that wheat procurement will begin on April 1 and is actively raising awareness among farmers about the harmful consequences of stubble burning to prevent such incidents.

Agricultural extension officers and field staff are educating farmers on the environmental and economic benefits of composting stubble instead of burning it. They are also providing guidance on composting methods and encouraging the recycling of stubble for economic benefits.

To make subtle recycling financially viable for farmers, the government has set up bio-compressed gas (CBG) plants in multiple districts, with more under construction. Additionally, farmers found burning stubble will face a fine of Rs 15,000. The government’s awareness campaign continues this season to ensure farmers adopt sustainable farming practices.

Dr. DK Singh emphasizes that farmer awareness is the key to preventing stubble burning. He highlights the extensive damage caused by burning stubble and stresses the need for cost-effective and sustainable disposal methods.

According to him, “Stubble is an organic product, the soul of the field. Through recycling, it can be converted into compost manure, paper, electricity, or compressed bio-gas (CBG). By burning it, farmers are not only harming the environment but also destroying a valuable resource.”

The National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) has developed a straw decomposer containing beneficial fungi and bacteria, capable of composting paddy straw within 10 days. Farmers require only 20 liters per hectare, costing just Rs 100. The government is working to ensure that such innovative solutions reach farmers in a timely manner.

Research shows that the remaining stubble contains 0.5% nitrogen, 0.6% phosphorus, and 1.5% potassium. If composted instead of burned, these nutrients are returned to the soil, reducing fertilizer costs by nearly 25% in the next crop cycle. Additionally, preserving organic matter helps maintain microbial activity, protecting the environment and mitigating global warming.

A study by the Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group revealed that burning stubble per acre results in the loss of 400 kg of useful carbon, 10-40 crore beneficial bacteria and 1-2 lakh fungi per gram of soil.

Crop residues help maintain soil moisture and enhance microbial activity, which provides essential micronutrients for the next crop. Retaining stubble in the field also improves the land’s water retention capacity, reducing irrigation costs and conserving scarce water resources.

Instead of burning stubble, farmers can plough it deeply into the field and irrigate it to facilitate decomposition. They can apply 5 kg of urea per acre to accelerate the process before irrigation. Additionally, specialized microbial cultures are available to assist in rapid decomposition, according to the expert.