Pusa Decomposer to be used on trail basis

Pusa Decomposer to be used on trail basis

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III – Environment 

In news

• According to Environment Ministry, Pusa Decomposer will be used on a trial basis in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi for 2020.

Key takeaways 

• The burning of paddy stubble has been a cause of concern for the past several years as it contributes to air pollution. 
• It is a common practice in October and November across North West India, primarily in states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. 
• This is done to quickly clear crop residue from their fields before planting the rabi wheat crop.

Important value additions 

Pusa Decomposer

• ‘Pusa Decomposer’ is developed to tackle the issue of stubble burning. 
• Developed by: Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI).
• It is a fungi-based liquid solution that can soften hard stubble so that it can be easily mixed with soil in the field to act as compost.
• It will also help in retaining the essential microbes and nutrients in soil that are otherwise damaged due to the burning.