(ET)
The NITI Aayog has asked the Indian Agriculture Research Institute to expeditiously conduct field trials of a technology that allows paddy straw to decompose in fields as concerns mount over growing air pollution in the capital due to stubble burning in neighbouring states.
The Aayog will work out a fiscal package for quick adoption of the technology from next year after the field trials, said a senior government official. “Technology of decomposing straw in situ is available at the lab level. We have to standardise it and test it on the fields,” said NITI Aayog member Ramesh Chand.
The idea is to use decomposers either in the form of liquid that can be sprayed on the fields or use capsules that can decompose paddy or wheat straws on the farm itself in three-four weeks after which they can be ploughed back into the soil.
