Thu Feb 27 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Coal Power Plants Slashing India’s Rice and Wheat Yields, Study Reveals

**Bengaluru, February 27, 2025** – New research from Stanford University has revealed a significant and previously underestimated impact of India’s coal-fired power plants on agricultural yields. The study, led by PhD student Kirat Singh, found that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions from these plants are reducing rice and wheat production by up to 10% in several states.

Using satellite imagery and advanced data analysis techniques, researchers linked NO2 emissions to a decline in vegetation health, as measured by near-infrared reflectance (NIRv). This allowed them to quantify the yield losses without relying on extensive ground-level monitoring. The study found that the impact varied regionally, with states like Chhattisgarh experiencing the highest proportion of NO2 pollution attributable to coal plants. However, even states with lower overall NO2 levels, such as Tamil Nadu, saw a disproportionately high impact from coal-related emissions.

The economic consequences are substantial. The study estimates annual losses of $420 million for rice and $400 million for wheat, totaling approximately Rs 7,000 crore. The cost of this pollution, measured as monetised loss per gigawatt-hour of electricity generated, reached as high as $17,370/GWh for wheat and $13,420/GWh for rice.

Surprisingly, the study suggests that targeting a relatively small number of highly polluting power plants near fertile farmland could yield significant improvements in crop yields. For example, in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, yield increases of 5-10% or more are projected for significant portions of cropland by reducing coal-related NO2.

While acknowledging the crucial role of coal power in India’s energy sector, the researchers emphasize the need for policy interventions to mitigate these agricultural losses. Singh advocates for integrating the impact on crop yields into policy decisions related to pollution control equipment installation, prioritizing power plants with the largest negative impact on agriculture. The study highlights the urgency of finding a balance between energy needs and food security in India, particularly given the country’s growing population and concerns about food security.

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