Delhi CM has said that the “Pusa bio-decomposer” is a success in Delhi and he will inform the Supreme Court that it is an effective way to prevent stubble burning.

Pusa Bio-decomposer provides a unique alternative against the stubble burning practices.

Pusa Bio-decomposer

• It is a solution developed by the scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, which can turn crop residue into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning.
• It involves making a liquid formulation using Pusa decomposer capsules and readily available inputs, fermenting it over 8-10 days, and then spraying the mixture on fields.
• It is a mix of seven fungi that produce enzymes to digest cellulose, lignin and pectin in paddy straw.
• The fungi thrive at 30-32 degree Celsius, which is the temperature prevailing when paddy is harvested and wheat is sown.

Back2Basics: Decomposition

• Decomposition refers to a biological process of breaking down organic material into smaller constituent parts.
• The decomposition of organic substances is ecologically significant. It plays a part in the nutrient cycle. It is an essential process of recycling matter in the biosphere.
• A decomposer is an organism whose ecological function involves the recycling of nutrients by performing the natural process of decomposition as it feeds on decaying organisms.
• Examples of decomposers are fungi and bacteria that obtain their nutrients from a dead plant or animal material.
• They break down cells of dead plants and animals into simpler substances, which become organic nutrients available to the ecosystem.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now