Emissions from four districts in Punjab show stubble burning leads to poor health conditions

Punjab is the center of stubble burning in India. Although the majority of the population is aware of the harmful effects of crop waste burning, it is still widely practiced and has serious impacts on health, household expenditures, and the environment.

“One of the most notable findings was that migrant farmers who stayed in the area only during the seed cultivation period reported better health than residents in stubble burning areas. “Protecting the health of local populations” suggests that exposure to stubble burning may play an important role in deteriorating health outcomes, says Project Leader and Senior Health Economics at Mid-Sweden University. says academic and public health professor Koustuf Dalal.

The report, “Insights and Realities of Stump Burning in India: A Health Economic Analysis,” is the result of a joint project between Mid-Sweden University and Indian Institute of Technology Ropar. This project improved our understanding of the social, economic, environmental, and health impacts of stubble burning in Punjab, India.

“Our research shows that stubble burning has far-reaching impacts on air quality and people’s quality of life. “This finding points to the need for large-scale efforts to improve both health and the environment,” says Professor Dalal.

The research study was conducted in four districts of Punjab to measure emissions from stubble burning and analyze its impact on water and soil quality. In addition, focus groups and interviews assessed population health, finances, awareness, and perceptions.

The report states that stubble burning can be linked to a number of health problems, including coughs, breathing problems, allergic reactions, cancer, and indigestion. Students report a significant increase in infertility in core areas of the region’s problem areas, with their daily lives affected.

In addition to the health impacts, the majority of families report spending more than 10% of their household expenditure on health care, highlighting the extremely high economic burden.

“It is important that policy makers and communities in Punjab adopt a holistic approach to prevent stubble burning. “It points to the possibility of alternative methods such as diversification of crops, particularly basmati rice,” says Professor Dalal.

With this report, researchers hope to contribute to improving the ability of Punjab and other parts of India to generate community engagement and reduce the harmful effects of stubble.

“By combining technological solutions and socially-driven awareness, we can take steps towards cleaner air and better health for future generations. Stubble burning is becoming an increasingly global problem. This study is of great importance in the current scenario as we generate more and more greenhouse gases,” concluded Professor Koustuf Dalal.