Government encourages the use of bio-fertilizers which are economical and eco-friendly source of nutrients and is considered an important component of organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management.

Biofertilizers are promoted under Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) schemes. Under PKVY scheme, farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 15000/ ha for 3 years through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizer. Under MOVCDNER, financial assistance @ Rs 32500/ ha for 3 years is provided to farmers for off farm /on –farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizer.

National Center of Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center of Organic and Natural Farming located at Ghaziabad, Nagpur, Bangalore, Imphal and Bhubaneswar are organizing various trainings and awareness on organic farming and production and use of organic and bio-fertilizers.

Besides training and awareness, for ensuring quality bio-fertilizers have been notified under Fertilizer Control Order (1985) and their quality standards have been specified which are required to be adhered mandatorily by the manufacturers.

Under PKVY and MOVCDNER Rs. 693.30 Cr. and Rs. 236.78 Cr. respectively have been put in farmers accounts via DBT in last five years, for inputs including biofertilizers.   

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed efficient strains of biofertilizers specific to different crops and soil types to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural production. ICAR recommends integrated use of fertilizers and manures. Biofertilizers, both liquid and powdered form have been developed and promoted under All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity. Biofertilizers for Phosphorus solubilization, Nitrogen fixation, Potassium and Zinc solubilization suitable for different crops across the country are developed and many of them are commercialized. The ICAR also imparts training on use of bio-fertilizers, organizes front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on all these aspects.

To encourage farmers to use the bio-fertilizers, Government has taken various initiatives such as:

1. The integrated use of bio-fertilizer, organic fertilizer and organic manure has been made integral part of package of practices developed by ICAR and State Agriculture Universities.
2. ICAR has developed liquid bio-fertilizer technology with higher shelf –life and also developed improved strains of bio-fertilizers specific to different crops and soil types.

 

Government is implementing PKVY and MOVCDNER schemes in the country. The financial assistance of Rs. 15000/ ha for 3 years is provided in both the schemes through DBT for ensure that farmers buy organic inputs including bio-fertilizer.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 

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