Srinagar, Nov 09 (KNO): The burning of fallen leaves, dried branches and other orchard residue following the conclusion of the apple harvesting season has sent alarm bells ringing over deteriorating air quality across Kashmir.
Environmentalists and agricultural experts whom the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) spoke to warned about possible impact of the air pollution on public health and soil fertility. They called for sustainable alternatives to open burning.
According to the details available with KNO orchardists across the Valley are engaged in post-harvest activities, smoke rising from orchards has become a common sight in several rural areas, particularly in the apple-producing districts of Kashmir.
The practice, which has been followed for generations, is largely associated with the collection of charcoal from dried branches and twigs for use in Kangris, the traditional firepots that remain an important source of warmth for households during the harsh winter months.
However, experts cautioned that burning agricultural residue in the open releases fine particulate matter and harmful gases, contribute to air pollution at a time when falling temperatures and stagnant atmospheric conditions make it difficult for pollutants to disperse.
The smoke can particularly affect people suffering from asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory ailments, while children, elderly people and those with cardiovascular conditions are considered more vulnerable to prolonged exposure.
Residents in several areas said smoke from nearby orchards often spreads towards residential localities during evenings, causing discomfort to people with existing respiratory problems.
Sameer Ahmad, a resident of south Kashmir, said his father suffers from a pulmonary illness and experiences breathing difficulties whenever smoke from nearby orchards spreads across the area.
"When smoke covers the surroundings in the evening, it becomes difficult for him to breathe comfortably. People suffering from respiratory diseases are particularly affected," he said.
Apart from its impact on air quality, agricultural experts have also expressed concern over the damage caused to soil health by the burning of orchard residue.
An agricultural scientist associated with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) said open burning destroys beneficial microorganisms present in the soil and releases pollutants into the atmosphere.
He said orchard waste could instead be managed through environmentally friendly practices, which would help improve soil fertility while reducing pollution.
One of the suggested alternatives is composting fallen leaves and converting them into organic manure. Experts have also recommended introducing sheep grazing in orchards, explaining that animals feed on fallen leaves while their droppings enrich the soil with organic matter.
The scientist said the practice could be particularly useful in orchards where pruning is undertaken at an appropriate height, allowing sheep to move freely beneath the trees.
It is pertinent to mention here that in 2017, Tassaduq Mufti, the then coordinator of the Chief Minister's Grievance Cell, had called for an immediate ban on biomass burning in orchards. Subsequently, SKUAST-K and the Horticulture Department issued advisories encouraging growers to adopt scientific methods for managing agricultural residue.
Despite repeated concerns and recommendations, the practice remains prevalent, largely because orchard waste also serves as a source of fuel for rural households.
For many families, particularly in areas witnessing frequent electricity cuts during winter, Kangris remain an affordable and dependable heating arrangement.
Nawaaz Ahmad a resident of Aripal Tral in Pulwama, said unreliable electricity supply makes it difficult for households to completely depend on electric heating appliances.
"Electricity supply remains uncertain during winter. For many families, Kangris are the most dependable means of keeping warm, and charcoal is needed for them," he said.
Experts believe that discouraging open burning without providing practical alternatives may not bring the desired results, as the practice is closely linked to traditional heating requirements and rural household needs.
They have stressed the need for coordinated efforts by the Horticulture Department, agricultural institutions and environmental authorities to educate farmers about the consequences of open burning and facilitate the adoption of alternative methods.
They said farmers should be encouraged to convert orchard residue into compost and organic manure, while awareness campaigns should highlight the long-term benefits of maintaining orchard hygiene through scientific waste management.
Experts also emphasised that sustainable disposal of agricultural residue would not only help reduce seasonal pollution but also improve soil health and productivity.
They said a comprehensive approach involving farmers, government departments and agricultural scientists was necessary to address the problem, particularly as Kashmir enters the winter season, when air pollution can have more pronounced consequences for public health—(KNO)