Srinagar, Apr 24: The Jammu and Kashmir horticulture department has introduced biodegradable bags for farmers in the Kashmir Valley to reduce pollution levels.

The initiative aims at making the orchards and agricultural lands pollution free. The department is distributing these eco- friendly bags among farmers and orchard workers, so that they can realize its benefits and use them more often.

“These bags get degradable in the soil within a period of six months and keep the environment healthy and pollution-free. It also acts as manure for the plant,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, an orchard farmer.

Ahmad also said that with the help of these bags, farmers could do plantation in any season.

Biodegradable plastics can decompose in the natural environment. During the biodegradation process the bag in itself enhances the biodegradation of the waste it contains.

“Basically these bags are organic. Once we transplant a plant along with this Bioplastic bag, within a period of six months these bags will degrade in the ground by itself,” said M. S. Qasba, Director of Department of Horticulture.

The colour of biodegradable bags is white. These bags look like tissue papers. They are manufactured in Italy and have a capacity to carry soil of 1-2 kg for the purpose of plantation. (ANI)