Indian agriculture could save $800 million by curbing NO₂ emissions: Stanford

Why in the NEWS?

• Recently, a study by Stanford University in the United States found that India could avoid crop losses worth about $1 billion (Rs 8,000 crore) every year by controlling nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) emissions from coal-fired power plants.

Key Points:

• The study was conducted by researchers from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.
• Its main objective was to understand the relationship between NO₂ emissions from coal power plants and crop production in India.
• NO₂ is a major air pollutant that enters the atmosphere and impedes crop growth and reduces their productivity.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. Economic impact of NO₂ emissions and crop losses
2. State-wise contribution of coal power plants to NO₂ pollution
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Emissions: Sources, Effects and Solutions
4. Major sources of NO₂ emissions
5. Effects of NO₂ emissions
6. Measures to reduce NO₂ emissions

Economic impact of NO₂ emissions and crop losses

• Considering the important role of agriculture in India's economy, it was estimated that if NO₂ emissions were reduced, rice and wheat production could increase significantly each year.
• The value of rice production in India could increase by $420 million per year.
• The value of wheat production could increase by $400 million per year.
• Overall, India could avoid annual crop losses of about $800 million.

Study methodology and research model

• The researchers used an advanced statistical model that combined several key elements:
  • Information from 144 coal power plants that have a major impact in India.
  • Daily data on power plant operations and emissions.
  • Wind direction and drift patterns, which helped understand how NO₂ spreads.
  • Measurements of NO₂ concentrations in crop fields using satellite imagery.
  • Annual rice and wheat yield data.
• This analysis showed that NO₂ has a profound impact on crop yields in areas extending up to 100 kilometres (62 miles) from power plants.

State-wise contribution of coal power plants to NO₂ pollution

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) Emissions: Sources, Effects and Solutions

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) is a dangerous air pollutant, which enters the atmosphere mainly due to coal power plants, vehicle smoke and industrial processes.
• It has serious impacts on health, environment and agriculture.

Major sources of NO₂ emissions

• NO₂ emissions are mainly generated from anthropogenic activities. Its major sources are as follows:

Coal-based power plants

• Burning coal to generate electricity emits a large amount of NO₂.
• According to a Stanford study, NO₂ emitted from coal plants in India can reduce crop yields by up to 10%.
• Nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) present in coal gets converted into NO₂ when it goes into the atmosphere, causing poor air quality.

Smoke from vehicles

• Nitrogen oxide (NOₓ) is emitted from diesel and petrol vehicles, which is a major source of NO₂.
• NO₂ concentrations are found to be higher in big cities due to vehicles, which increases respiratory diseases.
• Older vehicles, trucks and buses emit more pollution because they do not have modern emission control technology.

Industrial emissions

• Steel, cement, oil refineries and chemical industries emit large amounts of NO₂.
• Air pollution is high in industrial areas, affecting the local environment and agricultural production.

Burning of fuel and stubble

• Burning of wood, crop residue (stubble), cow dung cakes and other organic fuels emits NO₂.
• Burning of stubble during winters in North India increases air pollution, leading to smog in Delhi and surrounding states.

Domestic and commercial activities

• Burning of coal and wood for domestic use produces NO₂.
• Construction work and other commercial activities also increase the amount of pollutants in the air.

Effects of NO₂ emissions

• NO₂ emissions adversely affect the environment, human health and agriculture.

Effects on agriculture

• NO₂ emissions disrupt the photosynthesis process of crops, reducing their growth.
• NO₂ causes oxidative damage on the surface of leaves, weakening the crop.
• According to a Stanford study, reducing NO₂ pollution in India could increase wheat and rice production by up to $800 million (about Rs 8000 crore).
• This could pose a threat to food security, as wheat and rice are India's major food crops.

Effects on human health

• NO₂ severely affects the respiratory system, increasing asthma, bronchitis and other lung diseases.
• Children, the elderly and asthma patients are particularly affected by NO₂ pollution.
• Long-term exposure to NO₂ increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.
• According to WHO, millions of people die prematurely every year due to diseases related to NO₂ pollution.

Effect on the environment

• Acid Rain: 
  • NO₂ combines with water vapour to form nitric acid (HNO₃), which causes acid rain.
• Water pollution: 
  • Acid rain pollutes the water of rivers and lakes and is dangerous for aquatic organisms.
• Effect on biodiversity: 
  • NO₂ pollution negatively affects flora, fauna and the ecosystem.

Measures to reduce NO₂ emissions

• The government, industries and the general public will have to make joint efforts to control NO₂ emissions.

Controlling coal power plants

• Increasing the use of clean energy, such as solar and wind energy.
• Installing modern technology (Flue Gas Desulfurization - FGD) in coal plants, which can reduce NO₂ emissions.
• Closing old and highly polluting plants.

Reducing pollution from vehicles

• Promoting electric vehicles (EVs).
• Improving public transport, which reduces the use of private vehicles.
• Strictly implementing BS-VI standards, which can reduce vehicle emissions.

Use of green technologies in industries

• Using smoke scrubbers and other emission control technologies.
• Strictly following the rules of the Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Preventing the burning of stubble and other organic fuels

• Providing alternative solutions to farmers instead of burning stubble.
• Distribution of government subsidies and machines for stubble management.
• Promoting organic fertilizer and biogas production.

Afforestation and development of green areas

• Planting trees and developing green belts in cities.
• Increasing NO₂ absorption by increasing the number of trees in agricultural areas.