A Review on Sustainable Alternatives to Stubble Burning in Indian Agriculture

This paper explores the harmful effects of stubble burning on air quality, soil fertility, and public health, particularly in South Asia, with a focus on India. Through an extensive review of literature and data analysis, the study underscores how stubble burning significantly contributes to air pollution by releasing gaseous pollutants such as methane, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter. The research methodology included analyzing stubble production in India, reasons behind practicing stubble burning and evaluating the potential economic and environmental advantages of alternative management practices. The findings highlight the urgent need for programs that raise awareness among farmers about sustainable alternatives and the broader impacts of stubble burning. This review focuses on presenting a case toward adopting proactive methods that incorporate strategies for evidence-based, most recent practices for sustainable agriculture. This review is designed to provide the scope for analysis of the critical gaps left by previous studies by integrating new findings and practices into the historical understanding of the case. Among other things, it proposes new approaches for improving the health of soils and minimizing environmental impact caused by traditional practices such as stubble burning in support of sustainable farming practices that offer environmental, economic, and long-term farm productivity benefits.