Stubble challenge: Incentivising farmers is a viable option

THE onset of paddy procurement in Punjab has drawn the attention of various stakeholders to a seasonal problem — stubble burning. The Supreme Court has asked the state government to take a call on arresting some erring farmers for indulging in this practice, which is a key contributor to air pollution in October-November every year. The court has acknowledged that “farmers are special and we are eating because of them”, but it has urged the state to invoke penal provisions to send a stern message about safeguarding the environment. Punjab and Haryana, both food-bowl states, have occasionally put farmers behind bars for setting stubble ablaze, but this drastic step has not proved to be an effective deterrent.