Nov 22, 2023, 05:48 PM IST
The happy seeder, a tractor-mounted machine, offers an eco-friendly alternative to burning crop stubble. This equipment cuts and elevates straw, sows wheat and rice, and deposits straw over the cultivated area.
Biomass briquettes, compressed blocks made from residual straw and paddy, provide an environmentally conscious substitute for coal. When used in thermal power plants, these briquettes can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint significantly.
Cottage industries throughout India can transform leftover paddy into various products, including paper, cattle fodder, animal bedding, mushroom compost, agri-fiber boards, and packaging materials, promoting sustainable practices.
The Indian Agriculture Research Institute has introduced a bio-enzyme that, when sprayed on paddy residue, facilitates the decomposition of stubble. Within 20-25 days, this process transforms the residue into nutrient-rich manure.
Opting not to burn stubble brings multiple advantages, such as minimising soil erosion risks, fostering nutrient recycling and soil microbial biomass, enhancing water use efficiency and soil health, and preserving soil moisture.