Delhi's Kejriwal to launch stubble spraying

Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, have developed ''bio-decomposer'' capsules, which can be used to prepare a liquid formulation. The solution, when sprayed in the fields, can decompose crop residue and turn it into manure.

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will launch the spraying of the anti-stubble burning solution in Delhi's Ghalib Pur village on Tuesday according to Minister of Environment, Gopal Rai said on Sunday. So far, we have received applications to spray the anti-stubble burning solution on nearly 1,500 acres of land where non-basmati rice is grown, he said.

Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, have developed ''bio-decomposer'' capsules, which can be used to prepare a liquid formulation. The solution, when sprayed in the fields, can decompose crop residue and turn it into manure.

A centralised bio-decomposer system has been set up in Kharkhari Nahar village in South West Delhi. This year, the Delhi government is going to use the solution on the land where non-basmati rice is grown.

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We have estimated that only Rs 20 lakh is needed to manage stubble in 800 hectares of agricultural land in Delhi with this solution. The amount will be sufficient for the cost of preparation, transportation and spraying, he said.

If this proves to be successful in Delhi, it will solve the problem of stubble burning in neighbouring states too, he said. Rai said that the farm fires in neighbouring states contribute to 44 per cent of Delhi's pollution during the harvesting season.

(PTI)