Lok Sabha Question No. 1210 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-03
Subject: Measures to Promote Biofertilizers
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Mohammad Jawed, Shri Rajesh Ranjan, Dr. M P Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1210

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 03 RD  DECEMBER, 2024

## MEASURES TO PROMOTE BIOFERTILIZERS

1210. DR. MOHAMMAD JAWED: DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI: SHRI RAJESH RANJAN:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण मंğी be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  measures  that  are  being  taken  by  the  Union  Government  to promote  biofertilizers  in  light of the  detrimental  effects  of  chemical  fertilizers  on  human health;
- (b) the details of funds allocated for the distribution of biofertilizers across  the  country during the last five years;
- (c) the manner in which the Government is supporting R&D in biofertilizer technology; and
- (d) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  ensures  adoption  of  biofertilizers  in  the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ͪष एवं ͩकसान कãयाण राÏय मंğी (SHRI BHAGIRATH CHOUDHARY)

(a) & (b): Government encourages the use of bio-fertilizers which are economical and eco-friendly  source  of  nutrients  and  is  considered  an  important  component  of  organic farming and Integrated Nutrient Management.

Biofertilizers  are promoted under Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana (PKVY) and Mission  Organic  Value  Chain  Development  for  North  Eastern  Region  (MOVCDNER) schemes. Under PKVY scheme, farmers are provided financial assistance of Rs 15000/ ha for 3 years through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for on-farm and off-farm organic inputs including  bio-fertilizer.  Under  MOVCDNER,  financial  assistance  @  Rs  32500/  ha  for  3 years is provided to farmers for off farm /on -farm organic inputs including bio-fertilizer.

National Center of Organic and Natural Farming (NCONF) and its Regional Center of  Organic  and  Natural  Farming  located  at  Ghaziabad,  Nagpur,  Bangalore,  Imphal  and Bhubaneswar  are  organizing  various  trainings  and  awareness  on  organic  farming  and production and use of organic and bio-fertilizers.

Besides  training  and  awareness,  for  ensuring  quality  bio-fertilizers  have  been notified  under  Fertilizer  Control  Order  (1985)  and  their  quality  standards  have  been specified which are required to be adhered mandatorily by the manufacturers.

Under PKVY and MOVCDNER Rs. 693.30 Cr. and Rs. 236.78 Cr. respectively have been put in farmers accounts via DBT in last five years, for inputs including biofertilizers.

(c): Indian  Council  of  Agricultural  Research  (ICAR)  has  developed  efficient  strains  of biofertilizers  specific  to  different  crops  and  soil  types  to  reduce  the  use  of  chemical fertilizers  in  agricultural  production.   ICAR  recommends  integrated  use  of  fertilizers  and manures. Biofertilizers, both liquid and powdered  form have been developed and promoted under All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity. Biofertilizers for Phosphorus solubilization,  Nitrogen  fixation,  Potassium  and  Zinc  solubilization  suitable  for  different crops across the country are developed and many of them are commercialized.  The ICAR also imparts training on use of bio-fertilizers, organizes front-line demonstrations, awareness programs etc. to educate farmers on all these aspects.

To encourage farmers to use the bio-fertilizers, Government has taken various initiatives such as:

- i. The integrated use of bio-fertilizer,  organic  fertilizer  and  organic  manure  has been made integral part of package of practices developed by ICAR and State Agriculture Universities.
- ii. ICAR has developed liquid bio-fertilizer technology with higher shelf -life and also developed improved strains of bio-fertilizers specific to different crops and soil types.

(d): Government is implementing PKVY and MOVCDNER schemes in the country. The financial assistance of Rs. 15000/ ha for 3 years is provided in both the schemes through DBT for ensure that farmers buy organic inputs including bio-fertilizer.

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