Bio-Decomposer spraying to counter Stubble Burning in Delhi

On October 6, 2020, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that the Delhi Government is to adopt “Bio-Decomposer” spraying to counter stubble burning.

Highlights

The scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, PUSA have found a low-cost, effective way to deal stubble burning problem called bio-decomposer spraying. The Delhi Government is to adopt the solution from October 11.

About Bio-Decomposer Spraying

The scientists have discovered bio-decomposer capsule. These capsules when sprayed on crop residue will turn them into manure. This increases soil fertility and reduces use of fertilizers. According to the estimate of the Delhi Government, only Rs 20 lakhs is required to manage 700 hectares of stubble through this method. This cost includes cost of preparation, transportation and spraying.

Background

The stubble burning from neighbouring states contribute to 44% of Delhi Pollution. Stubble Burning is the burning of crop residue after harvest. The left over crop residue are called stubbles.

What is the issue?

Farmers have very short duration to prepare their field to plant the next winter crop (the rabi crop) after the harvest of monsoon crops (kharif crops). Thus, they set on fire to the crop residue after harvest. The retreating monsoon that is bounced back by the Himalayas carries the smoke from the states of Punjab and HAryana. As it reaches Delhi, it gets slowed down by the buildings in Delhi. This forces the monsoon winds to deposit the smoke here in the National Capital Region. This leads to smog during winter.

Waste Decomposers

Earlier the National Centre of Organic Farming developed waste decomposers. The waste decomposers are used for quick composting from organic waste. It mainly consists of micro organisms extracted from desi cow dung and thus are farmer friendly.

The waste decomposers were validated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. A single bottle of 30 grams of waste decomposer costs just Rs 20 and can decompose 1000 metric tonnes of waste in just 30 days.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2020