Coal-fired power plants in India cut rice, wheat yield by up to 10%
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Topic: GS3 – Agriculture, GS3 – Environment |
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Context |
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How NO2 Affects Crops
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The study focuses on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a pollutant from coal plants that harms plant health and lowers crop productivity.
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NO2 is phytotoxic, meaning it stresses plants and disrupts essential enzymatic activities.
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It contributes to ozone formation, which further damages crops and reduces available sunlight for photosynthesis.
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The study establishes a direct link between coal power emissions and crop damage, which had not been done at the power-plant level in India before.
Tracking Pollution and Crop Health
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Due to a lack of ground monitoring stations in agricultural areas, the researchers used satellite images to analyze NO2 concentration.
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They used near-infrared reflectance of vegetation (NIRv) as an indicator of plant health, which is closely related to chlorophyll levels in crops.
State-Wise Pollution Trends
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Chhattisgarh had the highest share of NO2 pollution from coal plants, with 19% in monsoon and 12.5% in winter.
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Uttar Pradesh had high NO2 levels overall, but a small portion came from coal power.
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Tamil Nadu had low NO2 pollution, but most of it was from coal-fired power plants.
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Monetary Loss and Agricultural Impact |
Potential Gains for India’s Agriculture
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Coal Power’s Role and Policy Suggestions
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The 2025-2026 Union Budget increased coal sector funding by 255%, highlighting India’s reliance on coal for economic growth.
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Meanwhile, India ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2024, underlining the need to boost food production.
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Experts suggest prioritizing pollution-control measures at power plants near agricultural areas to maximize benefits for both health and food security.
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Practice Question: Discuss the impact of coal-fired power plants on India’s agricultural productivity, with a focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution. (150 Words /10 marks) |
