Uttar Pradesh Government’s Initiative: Free Bio-Decomposers for 1.7 Million Farmers
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, is on the brink of delivering substantial advantages to 1.7 million farmers. Determined to address stubble management effectively, the UP government has opted to distribute bio-decomposers to farmers for converting rice stubble into compost. With a firm commitment to stubble management, the government has designated compressed bio-gas plants to supply bio-decomposers to farmers. Awareness campaigns and other initiatives will also persist in this endeavor.
Stubble is being utilized as fuel in CBG plants, with farmers being compensated for providing their stubble as raw material for fuel production. Currently, ten CBG plants are operational in Uttar Pradesh, and this number is expected to surpass one hundred in the near future. Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, made this announcement on the 8th of this month. The practice of burning crop residue after harvesting major crops like rice and wheat, though common, has detrimental effects.
Negative Effects of Stubble Burning
Before resorting to stubble burning, it’s imperative to reconsider, as it not only damages the field but also jeopardizes the future. Burning stubble releases a multitude of toxic pollutants into the environment. Alongside essential soil nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, crucial bacteria and fungi are also reduced to ashes.
Government Initiatives
The government has introduced various incentives for bio-CNG (compressed natural gas) and bioseeds in the state of Uttar Pradesh, based on the bioenergy policy. Every effort is being made by the government to establish bio-CNG plants in each district. As part of this endeavor, Indian Oil’s bio-CNG plant was inaugurated in Dhuriyapar, Gorakhpur, on March 8th. The government is actively engaged in addressing the issue of pollution caused by stubble burning through all available means.
Benefits for Farmers from Stubble
Farmers stand to benefit from stubble burning. The presence of moisture in soil covered with crop residues enhances the activity of microorganisms, thereby preventing the depletion of essential nutrients for the next crop.
Additionally, the moisture retention capacity of soil covered with residues increases, leading to a reduction in water usage for irrigation.
Rice stubble can be incorporated into the soil as organic manure, thereby contributing to the reduction of environmental pollution.
