(a) whether any research and development have been initiated
in the field of development of high quality organic fertilisers by the Government;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the research and development initiatives taken up are
feasible for the mountain areas of the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD PROCESSING
INDUSTRIES AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI HARISH RAWAT)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. Indian Council of Agricultural Research,
State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and National Centre of Organic
Farming have generated technologies for preparation of enriched
compost/vermicompost/bio-enriched compost from various organic wastes
using indigenous nutrient sources like low grade rock phosphate, waste
mica, pyrites and bioinoculants. Besides, mixed biofertilizer consortia
consisting of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria, Nitrogen fixing
microbes and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria; liquid biofertilizer
formulations with greater shelf life have been developed under Network
project on biofertilizers. Recently, potash and zinc solubilizing
bacteria have also been identified.
(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. Products such as enriched
compost/ vermicompost/bio-enriched compost and biofertilizers are
also feasible in hill & mountain areas of the country.