(a) whether the Government is considering to develop and distribute chemical free
fertilisers throughout the country due to the potential harm caused by chemical
fertilisers;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the projected expenditure for R&D purposes to develop chemical free fertilisers;
(d) whether the Government has considered implementing different models of
fertiliser usage throughout the country; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
(SHRI TARIQ ANWAR)
(a) to (e): Madam, there is no scientific evidence of declining soil or crop productivity
from judicious use of chemical fertilizers, Indian Council for Agricultural Research
(ICAR) has developed technology for preparation of enriched/vermi-compost from
various organic wastes. Beside this, improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizers
specific to different crops and soil types are being developed by ICAR under Network
Project on Bio-fertilizers. The expenditure incurred by ICAR under this project during
past two years (2010-11 & 2011-12) is Rs. 445 lakhs. Mulching of soil is also a good
process to conserve moisture and prevention of soil nutrients to run off. Government is
also promoting soil test-based, balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers, bio-
fertilizers, and locally available organic manures such as farmyard manure, vermi-
compost, and green manure to maintain soil health and productivity. Under National
Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) Scheme, financial assistance is being provided as
credit linked back ended subsidy through NABARD for setting up of Fruit & Vegetable,
Market waste/Agriculture waste compost unit @ 33% of total financial outlay or Rs.60.00
lakh whichever is less for 100 ton per day capacity and financial assistance up to 25% of
total financial outlay or Rs. 40 lakh whichever is less for establishment of state of the art
sterile liquid / carrier based 200 TPA bio-fertilizers and microbial bio-pesticides
production units as credit linked back ended subsidy through NABARD. Under National
Horticulture Mission (NHM), financial assistance is provided for setting up of vermi-
compost units @ 50% of the cost subject to a maximum of Rs. 30,000/- per beneficiary
and under National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility (NPMSF), financial
assistance is provided @ Rs. 500/- per hectare maximum for use of organic manure.