Stubble burning in Telangana: 16.86 lakh acres affected, soil nutrients lost, emissions rise

newindianexpress.com

by policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 points

A study by Prof Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University found that crop residue burning affected nearly a quarter of Telangana's farmland this season. Satellite imagery showed 16.86 lakh acres burned out of 74.8 lakh acres cultivated. Paddy straw accounted for 9.05 lakh acres, while maize and sorghum made up the rest. Scientists warn the practice degrades soil fertility and adds to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The study calculated that burning one tonne of paddy straw releases about 1,460 kg of CO2, 60 kg of carbon monoxide, and other pollutants like methane and nitrogen oxides. It also destroys beneficial soil microorganisms and depletes nutrients. Over the three month period, researchers estimated losses of 23.6 lakh kg of nitrogen, 11.9 lakh kg of phosphorus, and 1,062 lakh kg of potash. Five districts including Nizamabad and Kamareddy accounted for 34% of the total burned area. University officials urged farmers to incorporate crop residues into the soil instead of burning them. This would improve organic matter, conserve nutrients, and reduce pollution. The findings highlight a clear opportunity for carbon finance or policy interventions to shift farming practices in the region.

5 comments

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

The numbers here are stark. 23.6 lakh kg of nitrogen lost just from burning. That is a direct cost to farmers and the climate. Anyone know if there are carbon credit projects targeting stubble burning in Telangana specifically?

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

I have seen a few projects in Punjab but not much in Telangana. The satellite data from this study could be a good baseline for a carbon offset program. The question is whether the economics work for smallholders.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

The emissions per tonne are useful. 1,460 kg CO2 per tonne of residue. That is a lot. If you could convert that to a carbon price, it might justify investment in alternative residue management. But you need the infrastructure to turn stubble into something else.

news_wire_22·2 months ago·1 pts

The article mentions incorporating residues into soil as an alternative. That is basically no till or reduced till agriculture. Those practices can also generate carbon credits through soil carbon sequestration. But the measurement is harder than just avoiding burning.

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

The policy gap here is obvious. Burning is illegal in many parts of India but enforcement is weak. A carbon market could provide a financial incentive that regulation alone cannot. But you need clear rules on additionality and leakage. Otherwise the credits are worthless.