Rice straw Burning - A big environmental pollution: Dr. N.S.Malhi

Talwandi Sabo, November 4, 2014: Punjab burns about 200 Lac tons of rice straw in the fields leading to complete burning of Nitrogen, Carbon & Sulphur. The value of Nitrogen alone is around Rs. 200 Crore. Burning of rice straw result in production of 293 Lac tones of Carbon Dioxide, Carbon Mono Oxide, in addition to Nitrogen Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide; this burning causes environmental pollution & global warming. Burning kills useful soil micron organism, in soil. Agro forestry receives a set back by burning the small plants in the fields. The smoke & suspended particle matters in the air become dark cloud and hinder visibility. This results in fatal accidents on roads.

 

The rice straw is valuable natural resource, which can be put to many alternative uses. The rice straw can be managed in situ. Happy seeder can plant wheat in standing stubbles of rice. The rice straw serves as mulch & decomposes during the growing period of crop.

 

It adds organic matter & nutrients in the soil. The straw collected can be used as fuel in the renewable energy plants. Punjab has installed seven such plants. The straw can be used for preparing cardboard. The collected straw can be used as animal bedding material as it soaks the urine portion of the animal excretes. The using socked rice straw can be part of farm yard manure. Rice straw can also be used as compost for mushroom growing. We must stop burning rice straw.

 

No doubt, the management of rice straw is a bit difficult and expensive, yet it must be kept in mind that burning rice straw creates not only environmental pollution but also tells upon the health of the people. Farmers are, therefore, advised not to burn rice straw.

 

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