How Municipal Compost Boosts Rice Production in West Bengal
In the lush agricultural landscapes of West Bengal, known as India's highest rice-producing state, a quiet revolution is taking place in the paddies. The state contributes a remarkable 13-15% of India's total rice production, with farmers in regions like the New Alluvial Zone growing popular varieties like Gobindobhog and Tulaipanji1 .
For decades, chemical fertilizers have been the go-to solution for boosting agricultural productivity. However, scientists and farmers are increasingly looking at an unlikely ally in their quest for sustainable agriculture—biodegradable municipal compost derived from urban waste.
of India's rice production comes from West Bengal
The combined approach of 50% compost and 50% chemical fertilizer produced the highest yields, outperforming even the 100% chemical fertilizer approach.
| Material/Equipment | Primary Function | Research Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Biodegradable Municipal Compost | Organic nutrient source | Provides slow-release nutrients and improves soil health |
| Chemical Fertilizers (N-P-K) | Standardized nutrient source | Serves as experimental control and in combination treatments |
| Soil Testing Kit | Measures pH, NPK, organic carbon | Establishes baseline soil conditions and monitors changes |
| Plant Tissue Analyzer | Quantifies nutrient content in plants | Measures actual nutrient uptake and utilization |
| Yield Measurement Tools | Precisely quantifies harvest output | Provides objective yield data for comparison |
The research on biodegradable municipal compost and chemical fertilizers in West Bengal's New Alluvial Zone offers more than just agricultural insights—it presents a practical pathway toward sustainable food systems.
For the farmers of West Bengal, these findings provide science-backed strategies that balance immediate productivity with long-term sustainability. As one study concluded, combining organic and inorganic fertilizers helps "improve soil fertility and microbial biomass in rice-rice-rice triple crops cropping systems"4 .
The success of combining municipal compost with reduced chemical fertilizers demonstrates that sustainable agriculture doesn't require abandoning modern tools, but rather using them more wisely.
Transforming urban waste into agricultural resources creates a sustainable cycle that benefits both cities and farmland.