India is the second-highest producer and consumer of chemical fertilisers globally, with a subsidy bill of around 1.3 lakh crores in 2020-21. However, the use of synthetic fertilisers has led to nutrient run-off from farms, which adversely affects land ecosystems. This report presents a case for promoting the use of organic and bio fertilisers in the country, which are sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives to chemical fertilisers.
Organic and Bio Fertilisers
Organic fertilisers are composted/fermented products made from organic waste, such as city waste, agro waste, crop residue, and livestock waste. Bio fertilisers, on the other hand, are products containing carrier-based living microorganisms, such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter, which help in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilisation, or nutrient mobilisation.
Regulations
In India, organic and bio fertilisers are regulated by the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order (FCO), 1985, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Challenges in Adoption
Despite the benefits of organic and bio fertilisers, their adoption in India faces several challenges, including:
- Absence of level-playing field: There is no level-playing field for manufacturers of organic and bio fertilisers, as they have to compete with large chemical fertiliser companies that enjoy subsidies and incentives.
- Limited R&D and quality testing facility: There is limited research and development in the field of organic and bio fertilisers, and the quality testing facility and trained personnel are inadequate.
- Lack of extension and awareness: There is a lack of extension and awareness among farmers regarding the benefits and usage of organic and bio fertilisers.
Recommendations
To promote the adoption of organic and bio fertilisers, the following recommendations can be implemented:
- Digitalisation of manufacturing and approval process: The government should promote the digitalisation of the manufacturing and approval process for organic and bio fertilisers to reduce the time and cost involved.
- R&D on improving the efficiency of bio fertilisers: There should be a focus on research and development to improve the efficiency of bio fertilisers and make them more accessible to farmers.
- Sensitisation among farmers: There should be a focus on sensitisation among farmers regarding the benefits and usage of organic and bio fertilisers through awareness campaigns and training programmes.
- Creating adequate production and testing infrastructure: There should be a focus on creating adequate production and testing infrastructure for organic and bio fertilisers, which will help in quality testing, certification, and standardisation.
MCQs on Promoting Organic and Bio Fertilisers in India
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What is FCO in India?
A. A regulation for the use of chemical fertilisers in India
B. A regulation for the use of organic and bio fertilisers in India
C. A government agency responsible for the production of fertilisers in India
D. None of the above
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What are the challenges in the adoption of organic and bio fertilisers in India?
A. A level-playing field for manufacturers
B. Limited R&D and quality testing facility
C. Lack of extension and awareness among farmers
D. All of the above
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What are the recommendations for promoting the adoption of organic and bio fertilisers in India?
A. Digitalisation of manufacturing and approval process
B. R&D on improving the efficiency of bio fertilisers
C. Sensitisation among farmers
D. All of the above
