ICAR introduces new bio-fertilizers with a promise of increasing crop yields

The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has a history of taking significant strides in promoting organic and natural farming practices, focusing on sustainable agricultural methods in the country. Now, ICAR has introduced cutting-edge technologies for rapid composting of renewable resources directly on farms, providing a valuable source of bio-fertilizers to the farmers.

ICAR has also created new organic fertilizers, such as phosphor-nitro and phosphor-sulpho compost. These have been specifically developed to enrich soil and enhance agricultural productivity.

Moreover, ICAR has pioneered the development of tailored bio-fertilizers for various crops under the All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity-Bio-fertilizers.

In a written response in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, shared this information, highlighting India’s progress in adopting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

The success of the Network project on ‘soil biodiversity-bio-fertilizers’ has yielded improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizers, customized to suit different crop types and soil conditions. Additionally, ICAR has achieved significant milestones, such as extending the shelf life of liquid bio-fertilizers, creating bio-fertilizers consortia with multiple strains, developing microbial enriched bio-compost, and formulating zinc & potassium solubilising bio-fertilizers.

The implementation of these bio-fertilizers has demonstrated their potential to boost crop yields by 10-25 per cent and substantially reduce the dependence on costly chemical fertilizers (N, P) by up to 20-25 per cent when used alongside chemical fertilizers, mentions ICAR.

This shows the immense promise of organic farming in India and its positive impact on the environment and agriculture. The ICAR is also actively involved in educating farmers about the utilisation of bio-fertilizers. Moreover, the institute is working on training, organising front-line demonstrations, and awareness programmes to educate farmers on organic and natural farming, production, and use of various organic and bio-fertilizers.

The quest for sustainable agriculture is on the rise in all parts of the country. The Central Government has rolled out the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to increase the production of organic fertilizers or bio-fertilizers from Gobardhan Plants. A recent estimate by Indian Biogas Association (IBA) reveals that MDA Scheme will help India to cut down at least 96 lakh tonnes of chemical fertilizer imports saving Rs 11,000 crore of the exchequer.