Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning UPSC
A recent welfare scheme launched by the Haryana government called the Rajya Vishisht Yojana is the propel direction in order to address the issues such as and impact of burning crop residues. This initiative falls in line with India’s greater plan for the environment and is aimed as the promotion of sustainable farming. In the following sections, we provide a discussion of the details of the scheme and its goals, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of such a plan.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning in India
Meaning and Objectives
The Rajya Vishisht Yojana is aimed at reducing stubble burning in the country and is implemented with the support of the government. The scheme aims to:
- Reduce analytically the amount of pollution arising from crop and stubble burning.
- Encourage practices of organic farming and environment friendly farming.
- Support farmers with financial and technical assistance to manage crop residues effectively.
Environmental Significance
This is a step taken by India under its obligations towards the policies of sustainable development and combating emission of greenhouse gases. Here the measures pursuant to the scheme are aimed to curbing the ill effects of stubble burning leading to enhanced air quality and health benefits.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning in Haryana
Haryana has been at the forefront of combating stubble burning under this scheme. Key measures include:
Subsidies and Resources for Farmers
- Happy Seeders: Users who adopt machinery suitable for planting crops on the field without having to clear the stubble.
- Super SMS Systems: Self propelled combine harvesters that enhance on the quality of the mulching as well as straw management.
- Farmers are encouraged to take up such technologies by provision of subsidies in order to address environmentally sensitive methods of disposal besides elimination of burning.
Penalties and Rewards
- Strict Penalties: Penalties are prescribed in the form of fines on people who set fire on stubble in violation of the laid down laws.
- Incentives for Compliance: Farmers maintaining paddy residues in a proper manner get ₹1,000 per acre. Those panchayats in Red and yellow zones are also incentivized based on the targets of reduction to be achieved in respect of certain parameters.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning Pollution
Impact on Air Quality
This burning of stubbles contributes to air pollution, most especially during harvest when it releases PM2.5 and PM10 to the atmosphere. By encouraging alternative residue management methods, the scheme aims to:
- Improve air quality.
- Mitigate respiratory and health issues caused by pollution.
Alignment with National Goals
It assists the Indian government in its achieving environmental goals, including compliance with the climate conventions.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning in Punjab
Although primarily implemented in Haryana, Punjab also faces significant challenges related to stubble burning. Collaborative efforts include:
- Revised action plans focusing on residue management.
- Cross-state awareness campaigns to promote sustainable practices.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning Solutions
Key Alternatives Promoted
- PUSA Decomposers:
- Microbiological products which enhances the degradation of paddy straw.
- organic matter made easily available, cheaper and environment friendly for enhancing soil organic nutrients.
- Palletisation:
- Transforms the dried paddy straw into small dense cylindrical fuel pellets.
- Offices include the use of less coal and minimal emission of carbon.
- Happy Seeder Technology:
- Disc seeder which uses a tractor to drill wheat right on the existing field while preserving the stubbles as a form of mulch.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning Alternatives
Why Alternatives are Crucial
Not only that, but stubble burning not only pollutes the environment but also gradually destroys the soil at the same time. Such alternatives include PUSA Decomposers and palletisation to promote environmental friendly practices that also cater for agriculture.
Cost-Effective Solutions
A variety of subsidies and incentives under the scheme ensure that these alternatives are attainable by farmers, thereby fostering large scale utilization.
Rajya Vishisht Yojana for Stubble Burning Reasons
Why Stubble Burning Persists
- Short Window Between Crops:
- The laws such as the Preservation of Subsoil Water Act which prescribe a certain period of restrictions on tillage, Put and shut, requires farmers to decide on the preparation of the fields for the next crop after just a limited period of time after planting.
- High Costs of Alternatives:
- There are other options that farmers can take and for the most part the initial investments hamper those farmers who have no backing.
- Soil Health Concerns:
- Research with farmers captured both positive and negative aspects of growing crops, in which some of them regarded retaining stubble as having negative effects on the soil which has potential solutions like Happy Seeders.
Conclusion
The Rajya Vishisht Yojana implies more or less fair policy solution for the comprehensive problem of stubble burning in India. In this case, the scheme incorporates features such as financial reward for environmentally friendly activities and practices, technological support in environmentally friendly activities and practices and strict enforcement of environmentally friendly activities and practices in combating environmental and health challenges. It only needs constant commitment and partnership this particular endeavor is beneficial for the creation of the cleaner environment.