(a) the details of action being taken by the Government to encourage the use of bio-fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers; and
(b) whether there is any specific scheme for use of bio-fertilizers available for farmers and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) & (b): Government of India has initiated a number of steps for encouraging/ promoting the use of bio fertilizers in place of chemical by providing assistance/ incentives for production/ procurement under various schemes/ programmes viz.
• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): assistance of Rs 50,000 per hectare/ 3 years is given, out of which Rs. 31,000 (61%) is provided to the farmers directly through DBT, for inputs (bio fertilisers, biopesticides, vermicompost, botanical extracts etc) production/ procurement, post harvest infrastructure etc.
• Under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) farmers are given assistance of Rs 7500/ha/3 years for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs, production/ procurement
• Soil Health Cards (SHCs): 100% assistance is provided to State Government / Government agencies for setting up of liquid/ carrier based Bio-fertilizer/ Bio-pesticide units to up to a maximum limit of Rs.160.00 lakh / unit for Government agencies and up to Rs.40 lakh/unit (up to 25% project cost) for individuals/ private agencies through NABARD
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• National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP): financial assistance@ 50% subsidy to the tune of Rs. 300/- per ha is being provided for different components including bio-fertilizers, supply of Rhizobium culture/Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB)/ Zinc Solubilising Bacteria (ZSB)/ Azatobacter/ Mycorrhiza and vermi compost.
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM): Under NFSM, financial assistance is provided for promotion of Bio-Fertilizer (Rhizobium/ PSB) @50% of the cost limited to Rs.300 per ha.
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) through its Plan Scheme “Network Project on Organic Farming” (NPOF) is undertaking research to grow crops using only organic fertilizers/ bio-fertilizers and through its planned scheme “Network project on soil biodiversity- bio fertilizers” has developed improved and efficient strains of biofertilizers, specific to different crops and soil types. Liquid biofertilizer technology with higher self-life has also been developed. Presently, the project is being implemented in 16 centres covering 14 States. The ICAR also imparts training to educate farmers on organic fertilizers/ bio-fertilizers.
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