Baku, Azerbaijan, April 5. The World Bank
highlights that agricultural activities contribute significantly to
global air pollution, with intensive fertilizer use, livestock
farming, and crop-residue burning as major sources of particulate
matter (PM2.5).
These emissions not only harm the environment but also reduce
agricultural productivity, potentially costing the global economy
$5 billion annually.
Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Southern
Africa are particularly affected by these practices, which hinder
crop yields and disrupt food supply chains. To address this, the
World Bank calls for comprehensive solutions, including reducing
ammonia emissions from fertilizers, improving manure management,
and discouraging crop-residue burning.
The report emphasizes that adopting technologies like precision
agriculture, nitrogen-efficient fertilizers, and integrated pest
management can significantly cut emissions. Additionally,
sustainable farming practices such as reduced tillage and
agroforestry can help mitigate the impacts of soil erosion and air
pollution.
Ultimately, supporting farmers with access to appropriate
technologies, incentivizing sustainable practices, and implementing
effective policies are essential for reducing air pollution from
agriculture and safeguarding global food security.