WAPCOS (a government undertaking) reported that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was satisfied with the performance of Pusa bio-decomposer and encouraged other states to follow Delhi’s example in reducing stubble burn pollution.
“WAPCOS has visited 15 communities in four districts, meeting with 79 farmers. The Central government initiative has reported that Delhi farmers are pleased with the decomposer’s results, which are encouraging,” Kejriwal said at a virtual news conference on Monday.
Farmers reported that 90% of their stubble disintegrated within 15-20 days, and their fields were ready for harvest the following season. They no longer have to plough their fields seven to eight times, but only two to three plowings with the biodecomposer.
This innovative bio-decomposer increased organic carbon in crops by 40%, nitrogen in the soil rose by 24%, and beneficial bacteria and fungi grew by 7% and 3%, respectively. Wheat crop germination increased by 17-20% due to improved soil quality.”
“Approximately 50% of farmers acknowledged that their use of DAP manure per acre has decreased from 46 percent to 36-40%, resulting in an 8% increase in wheat crop production,” said the Delhi Chief Minister.
Farmers were previously fined for stubble burning, but the government’s responsibility was to address the problem.
Kejriwal urged the central government to encourage other states to follow Delhi’s example so that farmers in neighboring states can benefit from the same program.
As the winter season approaches, farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh burn crop residue as they prepare their fields for the (Kharif/rabi season) crops, resulting in ‘very poor’ air quality in the capital. As a result, there is a lot of pollution in the air, causing respiratory issues among the residents.