Context
Air pollution, especially in urban areas like Delhi, has reached critical levels, worsened during winter by stubble burning—a common agricultural practice to clear fields. To address this, the Delhi government has introduced bio-decomposer, a microbial solution that breaks down crop residue, improving soil health and reducing the need for burning. This initiative aims to tackle air pollution and promote sustainable farming.
Understanding Bio-Decomposer
- Bio-decomposer is a microbial liquid spray which is produced by Indian Agricultural Research Institute. It has intensive aeration that promotes the growth of decomposing bacteria that help turn the agricultural residues, especially the stubbles into organic manure by obeying the absorption capability of the soil to prevent stubble burning.
- Bio-decomposer enhances the decomposition process by using microorganisms that feed on stubble thus decomposing it into simpler compounds. These acts dissipate biomass build up, restore the nutrient pool on the soils, improve the physical structure of the soils, conserve soil moisture, and increase the health of the beneficial microorganisms within the ecosystem.
Government Initiatives in Delhi
- Implementation of the Bio-Decomposer Program: The Delhi government has recently said that it will be applying bio-decomposer on 5000 acres of agricultural land in the national capital during the last week of September 2024. This program is in line with others that are focused on controlling air pollution and encouraging sustainable farming. Speaking about the spraying, Environment Minister Gopal Rai said that the process will be free of cost, thus, it can be considered as an available means for the farmers who experience the difficulties of stubble burning.
- Historical Context: The bio-decomposer spraying has been implemented since 2020 in places such as Holambi Khurd and Najafgarh with such effects like enhancement of soil health as well as the elimination of stubble burning. As of now, 841 plus farmers have subscribed to the program.
- Awareness Campaigns: The government is also launching programs in which farmer awareness about bio-decomposer and its best application and proper use for long-term farming is built with an emphasis on discardage from the highest and safe method.
The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture
- Sustainable Agriculture A Sustainable agriculture is crucial since the usage of agricultural products forms the base of needs that have to be met in the course of satisfying the individuals’ basic need fulfillment hierarchy as per the Maslow’s needs theory.
- Environmental Benefits: The ‘bio-decomposer’ as it’s known seeks to improve the wellbeing of agricultural land and therefore lessen air pollution, falterous soil condition and diminished bio-diversity brought about by stubble burning. This he said, would help promote long term sustainable farming.
- Economic Viability for Farmers: Bio-decomposer assist in diminishing the financial burden upon farmers by providing an environment friendly solution to burn the stubbles, enhance the soil health and crop yields along with enhancing profitability.
- Enhancing Soil Fertility: Bio-decomposer replenish the fertility of the soil through the provision of organic matter, increase the yield of crops hence the productivity of millions of farming families.
Future Prospects
- Scaling Up the Initiative: The particular programme of bio-decomposer in Delhi may be recommended to other states which are affected with the stubble burning and air pollution. The initiative could also be taken to the entire country where it would result in better healthiness of the air, and farming that is more environmentally friendly.
- Research and Development: Further research is crucial to fine-tune the bio-decomposer technology, evaluate the residual impacts it has on soil health and crop yield; increase the benefits being derived from it.
- Collaborative Efforts: Reducing air pollution and supporting sustainable farming need efforts of government, researchers and farmers to identify strategies on how to address the issue of stubble burning and increase sustainable farming practices.
Conclusion
Bio-decomposer as a solution to stubble burning in India has been a step forward toward enhancing agricultural practices that do not harm the soil and the air quality. Despite the foregoing challenges, the initiative has the capability to revolutionize farming methodologies, improve soil quality as well as mitigating air borne pollution. If the Delhi government allocates resources for awareness campaigns, research and multi-stakeholder initiatives, a cleaner and healthier world can be provided while being sustainable for the farmers. While the programme is in progress, the efficiency of the programme can create its replicas across the nation for a sustainable future for the Indian agriculture industry.
Source: The Hindu