A New Approach to Straw Burning: Balancing Environmental Concerns with Farmers’ Needs
The debateover straw burning in China has raged for years, with calls for a complete banclashing with the realities of rural life. Now, a new approach is emerging: limited-time, zoned burning. This policy, being implemented in provinces like Hunan, Sichuan, and Guangxi, aims to strike a balance between environmental protection and the practical needs of farmers.
The traditional practice of burning straw after harvest haslong been a source of air pollution, contributing to smog and respiratory problems. In 2000, China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law banned open burning in populated areas, but the practice persists, particularly in rural areas.
However, many farmers argue that burning straw is a necessary practice. It helps to control pests and diseases, improve soil fertility, and even provide a source of heat for homes. Professor Han Guqing, an expert on agricultural education,points out that the ban on straw burning is not scientifically sound, and that other countries, including Japan, allow limited burning.
The new policy of limited-time, zoned burning acknowledges these concerns. In Huarong County, Hunan, for example, areas are designated as either no-burn or limited-burn. Farmers in limited-burn zones are allowed to burn straw during specific times, guided by agricultural and meteorological authorities.
This approach is gaining support from experts. Chen Dongfeng, director of the Rice Paddy Field and Rice Soil Origin Exhibition Hall at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Nanjing Institute of Soil Science, highlights the historical significance of straw burning. He points to evidence from the Chuodun Site, dating back 5907 years, showing that early farmers used fire to manage their fields.
Straw, a byproduct of crop harvesting, is rich in nutrients and organic matter. However, itsdisposal has become a major environmental challenge. While promoting alternative uses for straw, such as animal feed and biofuel, is crucial, the new policy acknowledges that complete bans are not always feasible.
The limited-time, zoned burning approach offers a pragmatic solution. By allowing controlled burning in designated areas and times, it aims tominimize air pollution while respecting the historical practices and practical needs of farmers. This approach, if implemented effectively, could be a step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for China’s agricultural sector.
References:
- 多地探索秸秆限时焚烧，应尊重农民的历史传承与真实需求, Southern Weekly, October 26, 2023.
- 中华人民共和国大气污染防治法, 2000.
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