Daily Current Affairs : 11-November-2023

The issue of farm fires in Punjab has gained attention, with the Supreme Court stepping in to address the environmental concerns. A key solution being explored is the adoption of ‘baler’ machines for ex situ stubble management.

The Presence of Baler Machines:

Baler machines have been part of the agricultural landscape for a decade, with approximately 2,000 currently in operation in Punjab. Significantly, 1,268 of these machines benefit from substantial subsidies, ranging from 50-80%, under the Centre’s Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme.

The Need for Stubble Management:

After the paddy crop is harvested, stubble remains on the ground, creating a need for its prompt removal before the next crop can be sown. Unfortunately, the prevalent practice of burning stubble contributes to severe air pollution. While in situ management methods like using super seeders exist, farmers argue that this makes fields susceptible to insect attacks, leading to the use of toxic insecticides. This has elevated the preference for ex situ management, driving the demand for baler machines.

Baler Machine Operations:

The functioning of baler machines involves a series of systematic steps. Farmers, equipped with tractor-mounted cutters, first cut the crop residue. After two days of drying, a rake organizes the stubble into straight lines. Subsequently, a tractor-mounted baler compresses the stubble into manageable bales using netting. These bales are then transported to factories or dumping sites. Notably, fields using balers allow immediate plowing for the next crop.

Concerns and Challenges:

Despite the environmental benefits, the adoption of baler machines faces hurdles. The primary concern is the substantial cost, with a single baler priced at Rs 14.5 lakh before subsidies. Additional expenses for the rake and cutter amount to Rs 2.5-3 lakh. Furthermore, the limited coverage area poses a challenge. Each baler can cover 15-20 acres in a day, operating for approximately 45 days, implying that only 15-18% of Punjab’s vast rice fields can be covered, depending on operational days and weather conditions.

Important Points:
  • The Presence of Baler Machines:
    • Baler machines in operation for a decade, with 2,000 in Punjab.
    • 1,268 machines subsidized (50-80%) under Centre’s Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme.
  • The Need for Stubble Management:
    • Paddy crop residue left after harvest.
    • Burning stubble contributes to severe air pollution.
    • In situ methods vulnerable to insect attacks, leading to toxic insecticide use.
    • Preference for ex situ management drives demand for baler machines.
  • Baler Machine Operations:
    • Tractor-mounted cutters used to cut crop residue.
    • Rake organizes stubble into straight lines after two days of drying.
    • Tractor-mounted baler compresses stubble into manageable bales using netting.
    • Bales transported to factories or dumping sites.
    • Immediate plowing possible for the next crop in fields using balers.
  • Concerns and Challenges:
    • High cost of baler machines (Rs 14.5 lakh without subsidies).
    • Additional expenses for rake and cutter (Rs 2.5-3 lakh).
    • Each baler covers 15-20 acres in a day, operating for 45 days.
    • Limited coverage (15-18% of Punjab’s rice fields) based on operational days and weather.
Why In News

With the problem of farm fires being taken up by the Supreme Court, a machine that facilitates ex situ (off site) stubble management has been in demand in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable and efficient solutions to address agricultural waste disposal challenges.

MCQs about Baler Machines

  1. What is the primary purpose of ‘baler’ machines in Punjab’s agriculture?
    A. Planting crops
    B. Harvesting paddy
    C. Ex situ stubble management
    D. Water irrigation
    Correct Answer: C. Ex situ stubble management
    Explanation: The baler machines are sought after for managing crop residue off-site, addressing the issue of stubble burning.
  2. What environmental problem arises from burning crop stubble in Punjab?
    A. Soil erosion
    B. Water pollution
    C. Air pollution
    D. Insect infestation
    Correct Answer: C. Air pollution
    Explanation: The burning stubble contributes to severe air pollution, making it a significant environmental concern.
  3. What is a key challenge associated with the adoption of baler machines in Punjab’s agriculture?
    A. Lack of farmer interest
    B. Limited operational days
    C. Excessive government subsidies
    D. Low environmental impact
    Correct Answer: B. Limited operational days
    Explanation: Each baler machine can cover 15-20 acres in a day, operating for around 45 days, presenting a challenge in covering the extensive rice fields in Punjab.

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