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NEW DELH: Small farmer Aashish Sharma has resorted to burning crop stubble despite being aware of its negative impact on air quality in his village and in New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital located about three hours away by road.

Sharma, 22, and his fellow villagers in Karnal, known for rice and wheat cultivation, understand the harmful effects of stubble burning on their health and the environment. However, due to financial constraints, the only viable option for them is to burn crop residues rather than hire expensive machines to clear their fields.

The cost of renting a machine is about $100, and the waiting time is approximately two weeks. Purchasing a machine for nearly 300,000 rupees ($3,606) is simply unaffordable for small farmers like Sharma, who own about four acres or fewer.

This predicament highlights the challenges faced by authorities in improving the air quality of northern India every winter. Over 85% of Indian farmers are classified as small-scale and control 47% of the country’s crop area, according to government data.

Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals that residents in Delhi and neighboring areas in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have been exposed to some of the most polluted air in the world over the past week.

In response to government initiatives and penalties, the number of crop fires has decreased by 40%-50% this year compared to the previous year, according to government estimates. However, a significant number of farmers in three Karnal villages told Reuters that they would continue burning stubble.

Although no fines have been imposed in their village so far, Dharamvir Singh stated that many farmers had burned stubble. Singh himself has cleared 10 acres using this method and plans to do the same for another 10-15 acres of land.

While authorities claim progress in reducing stubble burning, Mukhi Ram Sharma, the asthmatic uncle of Aashish Sharma, mentioned that he prefers to stay home due to the health risks posed by the burning.

During the weekend, Reuters witnessed at least ten farm fires in Samalkha, Barota, and Budhanpur villages in Karnal district. These fires occurred late in the evening when the risk of detection is considered to be lower. The district’s air quality index (AQI) has consistently been in the “very poor” category with an AQI of over 300, according to CPCB data. Delhi’s AQI has remained above 400, with low wind speeds exacerbating the situation by trapping emissions from traffic and industry.

Some Haryana residents have suggested that authorities are hesitant to take strict action against farmers, who represent a significant portion of the vote, considering the upcoming general election early next year.

Source: Pakistan Today