New Delhi, March 30 (IANS) An agreement to market the compost produced in Delhi was on Wednesday inked between the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (ILFS) and National Fertilisers Limited (NFL).
The agreement facilitated by the urban development ministry came in the backdrop of a union cabinet decision to promote compost produced here, wherein a market development assistance of Rs.1,500 per metric tonne would be paid to fertiliser marketing companies.
The Department of Fertilisers earlier notified the tagging of lead fertiliser-marketing companies across the country, to enter into a similar agreement with compost manufacturers.
Under the agreement, the SDMC will ensure delivery of municipal solid waste to ILFS, and review the infrastructure and machinery available at the compost manufacturing location of ILFS to ensure the adequacy of infrastructure and quality compliance.
The NFL thereafter will discuss production and off-take schedule with the ILFS and ensure 100 percent off-take of compost manufactured by the company.
"The new policy will ensure feasibility and viability of producing compost, as we expect the off-take of compost to substantially increase after the introduction of this mechanism," Praveen Prakash, director of 'Swachh Bharat Mission', said in a statement here.
"The ministry will further work to ensure all compost manufacturing plants across the country enter into similar agreements with lead fertiliser marketing companies," he added.
The compost made from city garbage not just provides carbon and primary and secondary nutrients to soil, but also helps keep the city clean.
