Perspectives

Addressing Health Inequities: Combating Stubble Burning in Haryana

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Pollution is the leading risk factor for diseases in India1. Measured in terms of life expectancy, air pollution is the greatest threat to human health in India, taking 5.3 years off the life of the average Indian.2 Crop burning alone contributes to around 17% of the air pollution, next only to industrial and residential pollution.3 Paddy Crop Residue, among these, is the most burned crop of them all.

As a result, Paddy Stubble burning poses a significant health hazard, particularly in states like Haryana and Punjab. This harmful practice has led to a drastic increase in respiratory issues, with affected areas experiencing a nearly 2x surge. The resultant burden on public health is staggering, estimated at a loss of 14.9 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) or over 2 lakh lives.4 During the paddy harvesting season, the National Capital Region and adjacent areas consistently report 'Severe' Air Quality Index levels, exacerbating health risks for millions.

To confront this pressing issue, Deloitte spearheaded an action plan specifically tailored for Haryana, identifying five key challenges:

  1. Lack of awareness about health risks among the farmers in Haryana
  2. Lack of information and access to available equipment
  3. Absence of a streamlined marketplace for crop residue
  4. Limited awareness regarding alternative solutions to paddy stubble management
  5. Inadequate equipment for carrying out Crop Residue Management (CRM) of paddy

In response, Deloitte devised a comprehensive plan, comprising three main pillars:

A. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Activities: Raising Awareness on health risks and CRM Alternatives

  1. Conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate farmers about the health risks associated with paddy crop residue burning and promote alternative methods.
  2. Utilising various channels such as pamphlets, demonstration vans, and local media broadcasts to disseminate information on health impacts and available alternatives.
  3. Leveraging technology like WhatsApp chatbots and IVRS systems to reach a broader audience and facilitate widespread understanding of health risks and sustainable crop residue management practices.

B. Krishi Yantra Saathi: A Digitised Supply Chain Solution

  1. Developed an Uberised platform connecting farmers, equipment owners, and end-use industries.
  2. Utilised advanced algorithms for efficient equipment allocation based on various factors, including geographic proximity and farmer preferences.
  3. Enabled live tracking and route optimisation for equipment, fostering transparency and accountability.
  4. Established a marketplace for forward linkages with end-use industries and suppliers.

C. Equipment Supply Enhancement: Bridging the Gap

  1. Donated equipment sets to farmers through leading manufacturers, addressing the shortage of CRM equipment.
  2. Organised usage demonstrations of alternative equipment to encourage adoption.
  3. Secured support from corporate sponsors, such as Bank of America and NatWest, through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

The Outcome:
The impact of this initiative was profound. In a pilot conducted in Karnal district in 2022, stubble burning incidents plummeted by an unprecedented 69%, saving of over 2400 lives.
Encouraged by this success, the program expanded to nine districts in Haryana. The following were our achievements:

  1. ~4 lakh Disability-adjusted Life years averted (~5,500 lives saved)
  2. Successfully conducted Health risk awareness camps in all 650 + fire prone villages
  3. 54% Decrease in the burning incidences in the target districts
  4. Successfully completed 2 Lakh + Crop Residue management bookings Covering ~80% of paddy area

Our efforts were also covered by CNBC TV, Economic Times, BusinessLine, Zee Business to name a few. We are now excited to make a larger impact as this time we plan to extend our success to the state of Punjab in 2024.

Sources:
1. IHME
2. AQLI 
3. Smart Air (https://smartairfilters.com/en/blog/where-does-indias-air-pollution-come-from/)
4. Basis study published in 2019 by US-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and partner institutes on health and economic losses due to air pollution (including crop residue burning) in Northern India

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