Microbial Decomposer Capsule

In News: scientists have developed a bio-decomposer technique called ‘PUSA Decomposers’ for converting crop stubble into compost.

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.

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.

Benefits of PUSA decomposers:

Improves the fertility and productivity of the soil as the stubble works as manure and compost for the crops and lesser fertiliser consumption is required in the future.
It is an efficient and effective, cheaper, doable and practical technique to stop stubble burning.
It is an eco-friendly and environmentally useful technology.

Mobile apps to Display AQI

SAMEER :

Launched in October 2017, SAMEER provides information on air quality to the public.
It also has provision for registering complaints against air polluting activities.
Air quality information collection and dissemination are done from a centralized location.
It provides real-time air quality status to all stakeholders apart from hourly updates on the National Air Quality Index (AQI) published by the Central Pollution Control Board.

SAFAR:

An integrated early warning System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) was launched to provide forecast of the Air Quality and Weather 72 hours in advance.
SAFAR is operational in four cities – Delhi, Pune, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.