Lok Sabha Question No. 2679 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-08-04
Subject: Biological Substitutes for Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Vishnu Dutt Sharma

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS

## LOK   SABHA

## UN STARRED QUESTION NO . 2679 TO BE ANSWERED ON : 04.08.2023

## Biological Substitutes for Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides

## 2679.    SHRI  VISHNU DATT SHARMA:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  agrees to  the  view  that  biological  substitutes  for chemical fertilisers and pesticides can  improve the health of soil, human and planet, besides benefitting farmers in the country;
- (b) if so,  the details thereof;
- (c) the details of the steps being taken/proposed  to  be taken by the Government for the development and  promotion of these substitutes in the country; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof and if not  the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS

## (SHRI BHAGWANTH  KHUBA)

- (a) & (b):  Biological substitutes for chemical fertilizers and pesticides can improve health  of  soil,  human  and  planet,  besides  benefiting  farmers.    Productivity  is dependent on its organic carbon and soil's biological life. To keep the soil healthy and fertile, it needs to be enriched with biomass at regular intervals.    Bio-fertilizers and  organic  fertilizers  are  ideal  inputs  which  can  replenish  the  soil  with  organic carbon and beneficial micro-organisms.
- (c)  &  (d):      The      Government  has  taken  various  steps  to  promote  chemical  free farming methods like organic & natural farming along with promotion of alternative fertilizers.  Government is promoting use of bio-fertilizers and organic fertilizers and bio-pesticides  under  organic  farming  through  the  scheme  of  Paramparagat  Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER) since 2015-16. Under these schemes, farmers are primarily encouraged for organic cultivation using organic inputs and end to end support to farmers   i.e.  from production to marketing of organic produce is ensured. Handson training to farmers about on-farm production of organic fertilizers and its use are integral part of these schemes. Farmers are provided subsidy of Rs 31000/ ha / 3 years  under  PKVY  and  Rs.  32500/  ha/  3  years  under  MOVCDNER  for  on-farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides as well as for procurement of off-farm organic inputs.

Trainings are provided to farmers on use of bio/organic fertilizers by National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR).

The  Government has approved the Market Development Assistance (MDA) @ Rs. 1500/M T, to promote organic fertilizers, i.e., manure produced at plants under GOBARdhan initiative covering different biogas/CBG support schemes/programmes of stakeholders Ministries/Departments. It will promote integrated nutrient management and reduce overuse of chemical fertilizers ensuring sustainability, soil health and better use efficiency of inputs. The  Government has also PM Programme for  Restoration,  Awareness  Generation,  Nourishment  and  Amelioration  of  Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM) to incentivize States/UTs to promote alternative fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.  This will incentivize the farmers to reduce the overall consumption of fertilizers for improving soil health and fertility and sustainable productivity.

ICAR  has  developed  improved and efficient  strains  of bio-fertilizers  specific  to different crops and soil types with higher shelf life.

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