Question : PRODUCTION OF NATURAL MANURE



(a) whether natural manure can be produced from agricultural waste and faecal waste of animals; and

(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard during the last three years?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE(SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): In order to promote the use of natural manure (organic manure) the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed and successfully tested improved technology for preparation of quality composts from animal excreta, agricultural wastes and crop residues which can be enriched with low grade rock phosphate, pyrites, waste mica and phosphate solubilizing bacteria, etc. Besides this, Vermi-composting technology has also been standardized using various organic resources.

All such technologies are being promoted through literature and other awareness/publicity material. Use of organic manure is an integral part of package of practices being recommended for all crops by all State Agriculture Departments and State Agricultural Universities.

Apart form above, National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) is being implemented since October 2004 under which financial assistance is being provided as credit linked & back ended subsidy through NABARD for:-

(i) Setting up of fruits/vegetable waste and agro-waste compost units @ 25% of total project cost restricted to Rs.40.00 lakh per unit.

(ii) Setting up of Vermiculture hatcheries @25% of the total project cost restricted to Rs.1.50 lakh per unit.

During the last three years the Government has sanctioned 24 fruits/vegetable waste and agro waste compost units and 1073 vermi-culture hatcheries under NPOF.