Bio-decomposers are a revolutionary solution to the problem of stubble burning in the agricultural sector. One example is Pusa bio-decomposer, a fungi-based liquid created by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This bio-decomposer can soften hard stubble, making it easy to mix with soil as compost. The fungi thrive at temperatures between 30-32 degrees Celsius, which aligns with the typical harvesting period for paddy and wheat.
The bio-decomposer also contributes to the conversion of crop residues, animal waste, and other substances into organic manure. It’s a cost-effective solution to managing agricultural waste and crop residue. Furthermore, it improves soil fertility and productivity by turning stubble into manure, reducing the need for fertiliser.
The Issue of Stubble Burning
Stubble burning is a common practice among farmers to quickly clear fields for new sowing cycles. However, this method has several harmful effects on both the environment and the soil. For instance, the emissions from stubble burning contain toxic pollutants like methane, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These pollutants can cause a thick layer of smog in the atmosphere, impacting human health.
Additionally, the heat generated by stubble burning penetrates the soil, leading to loss of moisture, useful microbes, and overall soil fertility. The process usually takes place in North West India, primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Alternatives to Stubble Burning
The need for alternatives to stubble burning is crucial. Innovative solutions like in situ treatments of stubble, such as the use of zero-tiller machines or bio-decomposers, could be beneficial. There are also ex-situ (off-site) treatments like using rice straw as cattle fodder.
Moreover, technology has a crucial role to play in providing other alternatives. The Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine, for instance, can uproot stubble and sow seeds in the cleared area. There are also initiatives spearheaded by the state governments of Punjab, National Capital Region States, and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi in collaboration with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to address air pollution.
The Importance of Zero Tillage in Agriculture
Zero tillage or no-till farming is a cultivation method that disturbs the soil only where the seeds are planted. It leaves behind detritus from previous crops to protect the seedbed. According to studies, north Indian farmers can potentially reduce air pollution and enhance their soil’s productivity by adopting this method.
Under zero tillage, direct seeding of wheat into unploughed soil and leaving rice residues behind have shown benefits such as saving water and labour, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving soil health and crop yield. This results in a win-win situation for both farmers and the general society.
Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) is another positive example of zero tillage. It involves sowing rice seeds directly into the field instead of transplanting seedlings from nurseries. It reduces the amount of water typically used for rice cultivation. Moreover, it promotes carbon sequestration in the soil, mitigating the effects of global warming.
Sustainable farming practices and innovative solutions like bio-decomposers, zero tillage and technological aids like THS machines are the way forward to tackling issues like stubble burning and air pollution.
