Bangalore-based Camson Biotechnologies has introduced zero-residue farming, a technique to boost agricultural yield in harmony with nature.
Such farming uses organically derived biocides and biofertilisers, an antidote to toxic pesticides and overuse of synthetic fertiliser. Camson’s microbial biopesticides and biofertilisers are living strains, they assimilate into the ecosystem without leaving any toxic residue, said Dhirendra Kumar, founder & managing director.
The agriculture industry is under pressure to integrate measures that minimise the presence of chemical residues in farm produce. Modern farming methods use crop protection techniques based on high input of synthetic chemical pesticides. Although these are often effective in the short term, the longer term problems are many — chronic health effects, one equilibrium of agricultural systems and the environment, etc.
Organic farming, however, often comes with lower yeield: the produce has to be sold at higher prices for it to be profitable. This has limited the scalability. Camson says zero residue farming is being practised on all crops with significant benefits. In some cases, the yield has increased by almost 50 per cent; also, the nutrient content in the produce is significantly higher.