Question : Use of Organic Fertilizers

(a) the details of the type of organic fertilizers used in the agriculture;

(b) whether the organic fertilizers are scientifically proved effective in agriculture;

(c) if so the details thereof;

(d) the advantages of the organic fertilizer in comparison with inorganic fertilizer;

(e) whether the Government is aware that many organic fertilizers are sold at exorbitant prices in the market;

(f) if so, whether the Government has taken any measure to control the price and manufacturing of organic fertilizers in the country; and

(g) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

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(a): The various types of organic fertilisers used in agriculture are City Compost, Vermicompost, Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) and Organic manure.

(b) to (d): Organic fertilisers are the source of organic carbon besides nutrients. The organic carbon content is vital for maintaining and enhancing soil fertility. In order to enhance even the efficacy of chemical fertilisers and for improving crop response to the applied fertilisers, use of organic fertilisers is required. Government is recommending soil test based integrated nutrient management through conjunctive use of both inorganic and organic sources of plant nutrients. Research under All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on ‘Long Term Fertilizer Experiments’ supports this fact.


(e) to (g): Prices of organic fertilisers are not a controlled item. However, the prevailing market prices for City Compost, Vermi compost and PROM are Rs. 6000-7000/MT, Rs. 6000-7000/MT and Rs.12000-14000/MT respectively. The specifications of organic fertilisers are notified under the Fertiliser (Control) Order, (FCO), 1985. No person shall manufacture organic fertilizer which is not notified in the FCO or not of standard prescribed in the FCO. For preparation of organic fertilisers, manufacturers are also required to obtain the Certificate of Manufacture from the State Government; provided that where the manufacturer is a State Government or a municipality, it shall not be necessary for it to obtain the Certificate of Manufacture and provided further that where the manufacturer of Vermicompost, other than a State Government or municipality, has annual production capacity less than fifty metric tonnes, it shall not be necessary for it to obtain the Certificate of Manufacture for preparation of Vermicompost.
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