ICAR- IIOR Organized Awareness Program on Crop Residue Management for Land Restoration and Enhancing Organic Carbon

ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) organized an insightful awareness program on Crop Residue Management as a part of World Environment Day (LiFE for Environment) celebrations. The event held on May 30, 2024, aimed at land restoration and boosting organic carbon levels in Tirumalapur Village, Shabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. It was attended by members of the Sugunamala Farmers Producers Organization.

During the awareness campaign, IIOR scientists shed light on the substantial volume of crop residue-approximately 500 metric tons per year- generated across various crops, and emphasized the adverse impacts of crop residue burning. They discussed alternative methods such as converting crop waste into fodder, nutrient-rich compost, thatching material, and bio-ethanol, showcasing efforts by the central government to create policies discouraging crop residue burning.

Furthermore, effective techniques to enhance organic carbon levels in soils were deliberated, including crop rotation with green manure crops, in-situ and ex-situ management of crop residue using shredders, and the application of bio-decomposers for rapid decomposition leading to nutrient-rich compost production.

A practical session was conducted, demonstrating the preparation of bio-decomposer liquid using prescribed methods and its application to expedite the decomposition process, resulting in nutrient-dense compost.

Approximately 40 farmers benefited from this informative event, which garnered coverage in local newspapers, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture practices for soil health and environmental preservation.