Topics Covered: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Bio-decomposer technique:
Context:
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that the bio-decomposer technique of converting stubble into manure has shown success.
- This claim was based on the initial results from a farm where the bio-decomposing solution, developed under the guidance of the PUSA Institute, was being tried out by the Delhi government.
What next?
- The government would now present this alternative in the Supreme Court owing to its effectiveness and cost.
- This solution can also be tried by farmers in Punjab and Haryana.
How were these bio-decomposers formed?
Pusa Decomposer is a mix of seven fungi that produce enzymes to digest cellulose, lignin and pectin in paddy straw.
- The fungi thrive at 30-32 degree Celsius, which is the temperature prevailing when paddy is harvested and wheat is sown.
How these decomposers are used on fields?
- A liquid formulation is formed using decomposer capsules and fermenting it over 8-10 days and then spraying the mixture on fields with crop stubble to ensure speedy bio-decomposition of the stubble.
- The farmers can prepare 25 litre of liquid mixture with 4 capsules, jaggery and chickpea flour. The mixture is sufficient to cover 1 hectare of land.
- It takes around 20 days for the degradation process to be completed.
Benefits of PUSA decomposers:
- Improves the fertility and productivity of the soil as the stubble works as manure and compost for the crops and lesser fertiliser consumption is required in the future.
- It is an efficient and effective, cheaper, doable and practical technique to stop stubble burning.
- It is an eco-friendly and environmentally useful technology.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
- How were PUSA Decomposers developed?
- What are they used for?
- Pollutants released when stubble is burnt.
Mains Link:
How stubble burning in the states of Punjab and Haryana affects the air quality of Delhi? Discuss.
Sources: the Hindu.