Question : Research on Bio-Organic Fertilizers

(a) whether the Government proposes to send our scientists to foreign countries to study and research on bio/organic fertilizers so as to improve the quality as well as the quantity of the bio-fertilizer production in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has also initiated any action to encourage research activities for development of organic farming in the country; and

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and bring larger areas of land under bio/organic fertilizers in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
(DR. SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Government sends scientists abroad for study and research in the field of bio/organic fertilizers under various bilateral programmes/Work Plans/Foreign collaborative projects etc.

(c) & (d): Yes, Madam. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research through a Network Project on Organic Farming is undertaking research to develop location specific organic farming package of practices for crops and cropping systems. Presently, the project is being implemented in 20 centres covering 16 states. The Council under Network project on Soil Biodiverisity-biofertilizers has developed improved and efficient strains of biofertilizers specific to different crops and soil types. Liquid Biofertilizer technology with higher shelf-life has also been developed. Besides, the Council has developed technologies to prepare various types of organic manures such as bio-enriched compost, vermicompost, municipal solid waste compost etc..

In order to reduce use of chemical fertilizers and to promote greater use of bio-organic fertilizers in the country, the Government under the component of soil health management of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) is promoting soil test based balanced and integrated nutrient management through setting-up/strengthening of soil testing laboratories, establishment of bio-fertilizer and compost units, use of micronutrients, trainings and demonstrations on balanced use of fertilizers. Recently, a National Mission on Soil Health Card has been launched to provide soil test based fertilizer recommendations to all the farmers in the country. Besides, organic farming is being promoted through various schemes/programmes namely Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Mission on Oilseeds & Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) of Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Recently, a new scheme Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) under NMSA has also been launched.

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