Rice Residue Burning: It’s issues & Sustainable Management in India: A Review

Abstract

Among different crops, cereals generate maximum residues (352 Mt), followed by fibres (66 Mt), oilseeds (29 Mt), pulses (13 Mt) and sugarcane (12 Mt). Cereal crops (rice, wheat, maize, millets) contribute 70%, while rice crop alone contributes 34% to the crop residues. Rice is grown in more than 100 countries around the world with about 40 countries rice produced more 10-20 lakhs tones of rice and the total rice production in world for year 2022 was 776,461,457 metric tonnes, Rice production also produces the challenges of the management of its residues that is in the form of paddy straw, roots, un-grained paddy and the paddy husk. According to Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics database, India in 2022 was the highest producing paddy rice followed by china [18]. India, therefore, faces the challenge of management of its rice residues. Rice residue burning is a great concern for environment, animal and human health. The burning of rice crop residue causes atmospheric pollution by emitting trace gases which forms ‘Black Cloud’ adversely affects human health as well as environment. The air pollutants are also a hazard to people’s health particularly to those within local proximity to paddy areas. The literatures and studies reveal losses in mineral and biomass. Nutrient concentration in residue depends on the soil condition, crop management, variety and season. The paper highlights the reasons for burning rice crop residue especially with respect to India and the measures taken to manage them. This paper has been expanded to include an analysis of contemporary government interventions, socio-economic dimensions, and future-oriented strategies for rice residue management in India. By integrating technological advancements, policy frameworks, and farmer-centric practices, this review seeks to present a holistic understanding of sustainable residue management.

KEYWORDS:

Residue Burning, Black Cloud, Pollutants, Rice, Environment, Policy, Sustainability.