Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) focuses on Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta and reducing pendency in Government
Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in the country have adopted 900 villages in October this year as part of the government’s campaign to demonstrate and promote microbial-based agricultural waste management and Vermicomposting. Technologies related to the microbial decomposition of agricultural residues and conversion of farm residues and other organic wastes into vermicompost was demonstrated to 22,678 farmers. Apart from farmers, awareness of vermicomposting was created among 3,000 schoolchildren.
Crop residues are valuable organic inputs to improve soil health and crop productivity when utilised after proper decomposition. Due to the long duration of the natural composting process of most of the crop residues, farmers resort to burning, resulting in environmental pollution apart from the wastage of a valuable asset.
Composting technologies using efficient microbial decomposers like ‘PUSA Decomposer’ accelerates the decomposition process resulting in high-quality organic manure in a shorter period. Application of composted residues rather than burnt ash to soil adds organic carbon and other essential plant nutrients to the soil and promotes microbial activity in the soil.