Coal-Fired Power Plants and Their Impact on India’s Crop Yields

Context: A recent study led by researchers at Stanford University has revealed that coal-fired power plants are significantly reducing India’s rice and wheat yields.

Major Pollutants and Their Effects on Crops

Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)

• Phytotoxic (toxic to plants) – interferes with cellular function and enzymatic activities.
• Contributes to ozone (O₃) formation, which damages plant tissues.
• Reduces chlorophyll content, leading to lower photosynthesis rates.

Study Findings

• India loses up to 10% of rice and wheat yields due to NO₂ pollution.
• Rice and wheat yield losses = ₹7,000 crore (~$820 million) annually.

Sulphur Oxides (SOₓ)

• Causes acid rain, which lowers soil pH, reducing nutrient availability.
• Damages leaf surfaces, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yield.
• Reduces soil microbial activity, affecting nitrogen fixation and plant growth.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

• Excess CO₂ can boost photosynthesis (CO₂ fertilization effect), but when combined with higher temperatures and water stress, it reduces crop quality and yields.

Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5)

• Blocks sunlight, reducing photosynthesis efficiency.
• Clogs stomata (leaf pores), restricting CO₂ uptake and leading to slower growth.
• Soil contamination from deposited ash reduces soil fertility and alters pH levels.

Heavy Metals (Mercury, Arsenic, Lead, Cadmium)

• Accumulates in soil, reducing nutrient uptake.
• Toxic to plants, leading to growth inhibition and lower yields.
• Can enter the food chain, posing health risks to humans.

Policy Recommendations

Renewable Energy Transition: Shift towards solar, wind and hydroelectric power to reduce coal dependence.

Pollution Control in Coal Power Plants

• Install Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) units to reduce SO₂
• Use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to cut NOₓ
• Upgrade Electrostatic Precipitators (ESPs) and Bag Filters to reduce PM emissions.

Agricultural Adaptation Measures

• Develop pollution-resistant crop varieties through biotechnology.
• Implement soil remediation techniques (e.g., liming) to restore fertility.

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