Agricultural waste on many farms doesn't merely dissipate into the atmosphere as a dark cloud. While burning agricultural waste is the easiest and quickest method for farmers to eliminate this accumulation, coupled with its low cost and minimal physical exertion, regrettably, it adversely impacts human health and the environment.
The primary agricultural waste materials subjected to burning include dry tree trunks and branches, along with some crops with poor nutritional value like dry grass.
According to Azhar Al-Hinai, the Head of the Waste Management Section at the Environment Authority, burning these wastes results in heightened environmental pollution due to the release of toxic gases, leading to an increase in the Earth’s temperature, a phenomenon scientifically termed global warming, which adversely affects the plants themselves.
She added, "Agricultural burning diminishes water retention and soil fertility by 25 to 30%, necessitating farmers to invest in costly fertilizers and irrigation systems for compensation. Additionally, the carbon emitted during the burning process can disrupt rainfall patterns and the Asian monsoon, thereby disturbing the climate conditions crucial for supporting agriculture."
The noxious odors and toxins emitted during this burning process significantly contribute to the likelihood of various diseases and instances of suffocation. International studies have linked the resultant dark cloud from burning to heightened risks of heart and lung diseases, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
The repercussions of this haphazard practice extend to the detriment of both individuals and public property.
"Random burning poses a threat to residential areas close to the fire area if the fire spreads throughout the farms. This irresponsible behavior also harms the general appearance of the place and leads to the gathering of animals and insects," Azhar noted.
Individuals can contribute to transforming farm waste into a valuable economic resource for the country by adhering to proper disposal methods (whether it's dates, unusable grains, or palm remains).
This involves, as Azhar emphasized, collecting farm waste in designated areas or contacting the responsible waste collection company, Oman Environmental Services Holding Company "be’ah," through its hotline (1881) to ensure the proper collection, treatment, or disposal of this waste in an environmentally sound manner.
Azhar further stated, "Agricultural wastes constitute secondary products within the agricultural production system, and farmers can repurpose them by converting them into organic fertilizers to enrich the soil, either by shredding dry branches and herbs and incorporating them into the soil or by transforming this waste into animal fodder or clean energy. These initiatives will not only bolster the economic and environmental landscapes but also elevate health and societal standards."
As highlighted by Azhar, the Sultanate of Oman boasts two recycling factories for agricultural waste, producing organic fertilizers and animal feed in Barka and Raysut. Moreover, there are local initiatives aimed at converting agricultural waste into wooden products and utilizing them in artisanal projects.
The Environment Authority, in collaboration with pertinent entities, is exploring avenues to support investment opportunities in recycling agricultural waste to generate products that contribute to the Omani economy instead of merely accumulating it in landfills.
The Sultanate of Oman is earnestly addressing the issue of indiscriminate burning of agricultural waste. "The relevant authorities are continually intensifying inspection and monitoring campaigns across farms and areas where such practices are prevalent, particularly during morning and evening hours," she affirmed. She added that specific sites have been designated for collecting this waste adjacent to farms to facilitate proper disposal until the competent company assumes responsibility for transporting this waste to designated disposal sites.
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