Question : Promotion of Bio-Fertilizers

(a) the total quantum of bio-fertilizers required and actually produced in the country;

(b) the details of the steps being taken by the Government to increase the production and utilization of bio-fertilizers in various States of the country;

(c) the details of the bio-fertilizers/ organic fertilizers produced and distributed during the last three years and the current year, State-wise; and

(d) whether several organisations are involved in research and development of organic fertilizers/bio-fertilizers in the country, if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

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(a) to (c): The total requirement of various bio-fertilizers that are required for seed/root treatment and soil is estimated to be about 0.426 million ton, based on net cultivated area. Government is promoting bio-fertilizers through various schemes of National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)/ Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Mission on Oilseeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Indian Council of Agricultural Sciences (ICAR). The pattern of assistance is given in Annexure I. The detailed state wise production of organic fertilizer in the country is at Annexure II.

(d): The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) under 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 located in state covering 16 States. Organic farming package of practices for 18 crops/cropping systems have been developed. Besides, under ICAR’s Network project on Soil Biodiversity-Biofertiliser has developed improved and efficient strains of biofertiliser specific to different crops and soil types. Liquid Biofertiliser technology with higher shelf life has also been developed. The Council has developed technologies to prepare various types of organic manures such as phospho compost, vermi compost, municipal solid waste compost, bio-enriched compost etc. from various organic wastes. The ICAR also imparts training, organizes Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) to educate farmers on all these aspects.