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Madhya Pradesh ranks first and Uttar Pradesh third in stubble burn

Source:downtoearth-org ↗

Why It Matters

Relevant for UPPSC PCS questions related to environmental pollution, regional agricultural practices, and state rankings in resource management or ecological challenges.

Summary

With the onset of the stubble burning season, early monitoring data indicates that Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest number of crop residue burning cases, followed by Punjab in second place and Uttar Pradesh ranking third. This seasonal practice remains a key driver of deteriorating air quality in northern and central India.

Key Points

  • The stubble-burning season has officially begun, with early data showing Madhya Pradesh ranking first in crop residue burning incidents.
  • Punjab follows closely behind as second, while Uttar Pradesh ranks third in the initial counts.
  • Stubble burning continues to be a major contributor to seasonal air pollution and regional environmental degradation across northern and central India.

Prelims Trap

Punjab always records the absolute highest number of stubble-burning cases right from the start of the season.

Aspirants routinely assume Punjab always ranks first in total crop residue burning incidents due to media focus, overlooking early-season data where Madhya Pradesh may lead.

Static Concepts Connected

Environment & Agriculture

What are the primary government interventions and central schemes for in-situ and ex-situ crop residue management in India?

  • CRM Scheme: Financial assistance provided to farmers for purchasing machinery like Happy Seeder, Super Seeder, and Straw Management System (SMS).
  • Ex-situ Management: Promoting the conversion of paddy straw into pellets, briquettes, and use in biomass-based power plants and ethanol distilleries.
  • In-situ Management: Involves incorporating crop residue back into the soil using specialized rotavators and mulchers to improve soil organic carbon.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Stubble Burning vs. Free Power Subsidies

    Crop residue burning connects air pollution control policies with agricultural subsidy reforms, particularly electricity and free power schemes that sustain paddy cultivation in northern states.

  • Air Pollution and NCAP Targets

    High stubble burning incidents in MP, Punjab, and UP directly undermine national commitments under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and climate targets.

Expect multi-statement questions on early stubble burning rankings (MP vs Punjab vs UP) and central sector schemes for crop residue management.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2016UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Indiscriminate use of fertilizers have led to

  • 2021UPPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following is indicator of air pollution ?