Ganderbal: Under the theme “Our Planet: Our Environment, Our campus” for Mass Mobilization on Mission LiFE”, Department of Botany and DSW, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) organised a programme on “Pit Composting for Green and Sustainable Environment” at varsity’s Green Campus here on Monday.
Addressing the students and faculty members, Nodal Person, Deptt of Botany, Prof. Azra N Kamili, said the biodegradable waste comprising rotten vegetables, fruits peels/scraps, kitchen garden waste, leaf litter, city garbage (solid) etc. can be utilized and recycled via composting which is a natural process that involves controlling the decomposition (breakdown) of natural waste and recycling it into a valuable fertiliser for gardens and agriculture production,” Prof. Azra said. She said that proper composting of the organic waste generated in daily lives– inedible or unused food– can reduce the dependence on chemical fertilizers, help recover soil fertility, and improve water retention and the delivery of nutrients to plants. She said that India produces 277 million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually and at present only 5 per cent of collected solid waste is recycled while 18 per cent is composted and remaining is dumped at landfill sites. She further elaborated the techniques involved in the Pit Composting.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean DSW and Finance Officer, Dr. Mehraj ud Din Shah, said, the composting pit technique has been designed especially for fulfilling the manure needs of farmers with available agriculture waste and environment preservation. He said composting also helps in curtailing the use of chemical fertilizers for large-scale cultivation of crops, fruits & vegetables, adding that composting of organic waste is the need of the hour. Asst Prof. Dr. Shaitsa proposed the vote of thanks.

KR Desk