Why GOI’s Policy on promotion of city compost is lacking stimulus? And suggest ways on how to leverage its potential to the fullest.
Refer - The Indian Express
IAS Parliament 7 years
KEY POINTS
Policy on promotion of city compost
· As of 2014, around 620 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of waste was generated in the urban areas every year, out of which 19% was being treated.
· The remaining unprocessed waste is left in landfills and dumpsites, which causes environmental problems like production of toxic waste and greenhouse gases.
· To process and use city waste as compost, the Policy on Promotion of City Compost was approved in 2016.
· Under this policy, assistance of Rs 1,500 per tonne of city compost will be provided to fertilizer companies for marketing and promotion of city compost.
Issues
· Direct incentives or subsidies on compost were not provided to farmers under the policy.
· Though urea costs around Rs 50-60 more than city compost, it is preferred over compost.
· Urea has an immediate impact on soil while the effect of city compost on soil will be visible only after two to three years.
· Policy mandate of forming state level steering committee to boost Inter-departmental coordination is followed only by seven states/UTs as of Jan 2017.
· Lack of awareness regarding segregation of waste at household level.
· Lack of marketing and promotion networks.
Solutions
· Allowing compost manufacturers to sell directly to farmers, to bring down the cost of city compost and address the challenges of compost storage if left unsold for long periods.
· The Department of fertilizer should convince state governments to subsidise city compost.
· The production and sale of city compost should be exempted from GST.
· The Department should pursue the states to ensure constitution of state-level steering committees.
· Informal sector waste collectors can be involved in the segregation of waste and this can provide them employment.
· The tagging of fertiliser companies with states should be meaningful and companies must develop marketing networks.
· At least one state should be developed as a model state as a pilot project which can be followed by other states.
· Department of Fertilizers must work with the Ministry of Urban Development and the states, to ensure that new compost plants are set up in a state based on its size and population.
