Farm Fire Monitoring and Data Limitations

Data Collection on Farm Fires:

• Agency Involved: Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) Consortium for Research on Agroecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory.
• Data Inclusion: District-wise breakdown, location, satellite details, time, and intensity of fires.

Method of Data Collection:

• Satellites Used: Three NASA satellites with sensors (VIIRS on Suomi NPP, and two MODIS on Terra and Aqua).
• Frequency: Each satellite covers the Indian subcontinent twice every 24 hours.
• Data Sources: IARI’s ground station and National Remote Sensing Centre.
• Standardization: Since 2021, a standard protocol by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is used.

Limitations of the Data:

•  Limited number of satellites restricts frequency of data capture.
• Cloud cover and atmospheric conditions can affect sensor readings.
• Delays and recalibrations of satellite sensors can impact data accuracy.

Why in News:

• The stubble burning has been the cause of much debate and how India monitors its farm fires has come under scanner.