Surface Ozone Pollution Threatens Rural India’s Crops – IIT Kharagpur Study

Hello friends! Welcome to SCITECHSPOT, where we bring you the latest updates on science and technology. Today we will talk about a serious topic which is directly affecting the rural areas and agriculture of our country – Surface Ozone Pollution. This issue has come to light through a new study conducted by researchers from IIT Kharagpur. This study has revealed that surface ozone pollution is slowly causing harm to rural India, and we may see a drastic decline in agricultural yield in future. So let’s understand in detail in this blog post what this ozone pollution is, what its impact is on rural India, and how agriculture can be saved from it.

What is Surface Ozone Pollution? A Simple Explanation

First of all, it is important to understand what surface ozone pollution is. This ozone is not the same as that which protects us from UV rays in the upper atmosphere. Surface ozone is a harmful pollutant that forms near the ground when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. These pollutants come from sources like industries, vehicles, power plants, and agricultural stubble burning.

According to a study by IIT Kharagpur, this ozone pollution is no longer limited to urban areas. This problem is increasing even in rural India, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy. This is a silent killer that damages plant tissues, affects photosynthesis, and slows down crop growth.

IIT Kharagpur Study: Key Findings You Must Know

IIT Kharagpur’s Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL) conducted this study, titled “Surface ozone pollution-driven risks for the yield of major food crops under future climate change scenarios in India.” The lead researcher of this study, Prof. Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath and his team explained what impact surface ozone pollution is having on rural India.

Decline in Crop Production

According to the study, if high-emission scenarios continue and mitigation measures are not taken, then wheat yield could decline by up to 20% and rice and maize yield could decline by up to 7%. This agricultural yield decline is a big threat to India’s food security.

Worst Affected Regions

Areas like the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and Central India are most vulnerable. These regions are called India’s “food basket” because the production of wheat, rice, and maize is very high here. Ozone levels here can exceed up to 6 times the safe limits.

Global Impact

India is a major food grain exporter, which supplies to many countries in Asia and Africa. If there is crop yield loss here, it will also affect global food security.

Future Prediction

Along with climate change, ozone pollution will increase because factors like rising temperatures and stubble burning will make it worse.

Why is Ozone Pollution Increasing in Rural India?

You might be thinking that there are fewer factories and traffic in rural areas, then how is this ozone pollution reaching there? This is a valid question, and its answer has been given in the study:

1. Spread of Urban Pollution: Pollutants from urban areas are carried to rural regions through wind.
2. Stubble Burning: In areas like IGP, farmers burn crop residue, which releases NOx and VOCs, and this surface contributes to the formation of ozone.
3. Industrial Growth: Small industries and power plants near rural areas are also becoming sources of pollution.
4. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are boosting ozone formation.

All these things are making rural India a hotspot of surface ozone pollution, which is a direct threat to agriculture.

Impact of Ozone Pollution on Agriculture: How is the crop getting ruined?

Surface ozone is a strong oxidant, meaning it damages the plant cells by oxidizing them. Let us understand its effects in detail:

1. Leaf Damage: Ozone causes brown spots or foliar injuries on the leaves of plants, due to which photosynthesis is reduced.
2. Reduced Growth: It affects stomatal conductance, due to which plants are unable to absorb carbon dioxide, and growth is stopped.
3. Yield Loss: The Productivity of major crops like wheat, rice, and maize is reduced. According to studies, wheat is the most sensitive, after which rice and maize.

For example, if a farmer grows 100 tons of wheat, he can lose up to 20 tons due to ozone pollution. This crop yield reduction is not only harmful to the farmer but also affects the food supply chain of the country.

Threat to Food Security: Why is this a big problem for India?

More than 1.4 billion people live in India, and 67% of the population (about 947 million) in rural areas depends on agriculture. When agricultural yield declines, it directly threatens food security. According to IIT Kharagpur study:

1. Wheat Losses: A 20% reduction means a loss of millions of tons, which can reduce food supply for crores of people.
2. Rice and Maize: Even a 7% loss is not small, because these are staple crops that are eaten in every household.
3. Economic Impact: These losses result in a loss of billions of dollars, which is bad for both farmers and the economy.

If this problem continues to grow, it will become difficult to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like “No Poverty” (SDG 1) and “Zero Hunger” (SDG 2).

Solutions: How can we stop ozone pollution?

Now the question is how to control this surface ozone pollution? IIT Kharagpur study and experts have given some suggestions:

1. Emission Reduction: It is important to reduce NOx and VOCs emissions from industries and vehicles. Strict policies and the use of clean energy are a solution.
2. Stopping Stubble Burning: Alternatives like crop residue management machines should be provided to farmers.
3. Monitoring: Ozone monitoring stations should be increased in rural areas so that real-time data is obtained and action can be taken.
4. Ozone-Tolerant Crops: Research and develop crop varieties that are less affected by ozone.
5. Public Awareness: It is important to educate people about this problem so that collective efforts can be made.

The government has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), but it mostly focuses on urban areas. Specific policies will also have to be made for rural India.

Conclusion: What is the way forward?

Friends, this study by IIT Kharagpur is a wake-up call. Surface ozone pollution has become a major issue in rural India, and if action is not taken on it, agricultural yield decline can become even more serious. This is not only a problem for farmers, but it is a question of food security for every Indian. We all have to take collective steps against it, whether it is government policies, scientific research, or public awareness.

We will keep bringing such updates on SCITECHSPOT so that you get information from every angle of science. If you liked this post, let us know by commenting and sharing it with your friends. Till next time, stay curious and stay informed!