ICAR-CIRCOT Mumbai inaugurates advanced aerobic composter to support urban farming

In a significant move to support urban farming, Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director of ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, inaugurated an advanced aerobic composter on 9th June 2026. This launch directly aligns with the mission of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan, a Government of India movement dedicated to protecting the soil health. The newly installed system maximizes airflow and heat retention, allowing the institute to efficiently process its canteen waste and dry leaves. By accelerating the natural decomposition process, the composter rapidly converts daily organic refuse into nutrient-rich, high-quality compost.

This initiative offers an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, which have long contributed to soil degradation and long-term environmental challenges. By returning organic matter to the soil, the compost will play a crucial role in restoring life and structural integrity to depleted soils. As research institutions look for scalable ways to manage urban organic waste, ICAR-CIRCOT’s adoption of this aerobic composting technology serves as a role model for sustainable resource management, proving that institutional waste can be effectively utilized to support urban farming.