Eliminating India’s Ozone Pollution Could Improve Wheat Yield, Help Pump Billions Into Ensuring Food Security: Study

In a recently published study, researchers from the University of York turned their attention to India – a country grappling with a twin challenge of persistent air pollution as well as food security. They set out to investigate the costs of ozone pollution in different policy scenarios, and how it affects various stakeholders in the country (the producers, consumers and government policymakers).

In the study, they focussed on wheat, a staple crop that finds a place in Indian meals in one form or another. Not only that, it is also uniquely procured by the government via the public distribution system ensuring both farmers’ and consumers’ welfare.

Using a unique combination of crop yield and economic models, researchers found that by getting rid of ozone from the air, India’s wheat yield could soar by up to 14% and boost food welfare benefits by over four billion dollars per year (over 400 crore rupees)!

Furthermore, the surge in wheat supply could also drive down food prices by a staggering 43%!

While it may seem like a win-win situation for both consumers and the government, there’s a flip side to this too. The fall in wheat prices can possibly impact the income of farmers toiling in the field to get us our daily bread.

The key is to strike the right balance to protect farmers while providing consumers and the government with their share of the benefits. And it all comes down to smart, well-thought-out policymaking.

As Professor Lisa Emberson puts it, "Governments need to examine food welfare policy very carefully as policy needs to be adjusted on an ongoing basis to provide targeted and effective support to ensure that everyone benefits from increased wheat supply and lower prices."

Thus far, one thing is clear: removing ozone pollution would have far-reaching benefits for both human health and food welfare, but careful policy tweaks are needed to ensure that all sections of society enjoy the perks that come with cleaner air as well as healthy and affordable food.

This study was recently published in the journal PNAS and can be accessed here.

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