Burning leaves, twigs in orchards set to threaten air quality again

Shopian, Oct 22: As autumn spreads across Kashmir, farmers are readying orchards for pruning, a crucial step to prepare apple trees for the next season. But the process has raised concerns over deteriorating air quality, as farmers traditionally burn twigs and fallen leaves, a practice that experts say contributes significantly to seasonal pollution. In apple-producing districts including Baramulla, Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Anantnag, growers have begun pruning, which is usually followed by burning biomass, worsening air quality. “Every year around this time, you can see smoke rising from orchards,” said Ghulam Ahmad, an apple grower in Shopian. “Farmers have not started burning yet this season, but without proper disposal methods, it may happen again. We know it’s harmful, but time and resources are limited.” Environmental experts say each hectare of orchard can generate several tonnes of biomass after pruning.

Open burning releases particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and greenhouse gases, harming both air quality and soil health.

“The released pollutants don’t escape easily and can lead to thermal inversion,” said Dr Anees, an environmentalist from Pulwama. “Trapped emissions contribute to smog and poor air quality in the valleys.”

He said that farmers burn biomass to make charcoal to stay warm during winter, but they are largely unaware of the harmful effects this practice has on the environment.

Associate Professor at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Tariq Rasool, said burning leaves and twigs not only worsens air pollution but also destroys beneficial soil microorganisms. He suggested sustainable alternatives that benefit both the environment and farmers.

Rasool recommended integrating sheep grazing into orchards, saying, “Sheep consume fallen leaves and their droppings enrich the soil. This traditional practice reduces waste and improves fertility, particularly in orchards where branches are at least more than 2 feet from the ground.”

He also proposed composting as a solution. “Leaves can be converted into organic manure over time, adding value to the soil instead of polluting the air. Spraying urea on leaves can accelerate decomposition,” he said. Authorities and experts have long urged farmers to adopt eco-friendly disposal methods to prevent smoke and pollution.

In 2017, Tassaduq Mufti, then coordinator of the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, called for an immediate ban on the burning of biomass.

It was followed by time-to-time advisories from the SKUAST and the Horticulture Department. However, limited awareness and a shortage of heating equipment with people living in rural areas have hindered widespread change. “Each winter, we witness an electric power supply. Kangri is the only way to keep ourselves warm,” said Muhammad Abdullah from the Abhama area of Pulwama.