ICAR's Bio-Fertilizers to Improve Crop Yield, to Revolutionize Agriculture with Innovations in Organic Farming

In a remarkable stride towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has introduced cutting-edge technologies for rapidly composting renewable resources within farms. These technologies serve as a potential source of organic fertilizers, marking a significant shift towards organic and natural farming methods. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, shared this transformative information in a written reply in Lok Sabha, highlighting India's progress in promoting eco-friendly agriculture.

Under the All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity-Bio-fertilisers, ICAR has made significant advancements in the development of enriched compost. Unique variants like phosphor-nitro or phosphor-sulpha compost have been created to be used as organic fertilizers, tailored to the specific requirements of different crops. Additionally, the Network project on 'soil biodiversity-bio-fertilisers' has led to the creation of improved and efficient strains of bio-fertilizers, customized for various crops and soil types.

A major breakthrough in the sector has been the development of liquid bio-fertilizers with an extended shelf life. Furthermore, bio-fertilizer consortia formulation, consisting of multiple bio-fertilizer strains, has proven to be instrumental in enhancing the potential of organic farming. The introduction of microbial enriched bio-compost and zinc & potassium solubilizing bio-fertilizers has further strengthened the country's organic farming capabilities.

Also Read: Bihar: State Cabinet Approves Measures to Boost Agriculture, Rs 100 Cr Diesel Subsidy to Farmers

The implementation of bio-fertilizers has demonstrated its ability to substantially improve crop yields by an impressive 10-25 per cent. Moreover, it has significantly reduced the reliance on costly chemical fertilizers (N, P) by approximately 20-25 per cent in many cases when used in conjunction with chemical fertilizers.

Recognizing the importance of spreading knowledge and awareness, ICAR has been actively involved in educating farmers about the effective utilization of bio-fertilizers. The institute is committed to promoting organic and natural farming practices through various initiatives. This includes organizing training programs, conducting front-line demonstrations, and raising awareness among farmers about the production and usage of various organic and bio-fertilizers.

The strides made by ICAR in the field of organic farming are a testament to India's commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. By embracing these innovations and practices, Indian farmers are poised to create a greener and more prosperous future for the nation's agricultural landscape. With a focus on eco-friendly solutions, India's agricultural sector is moving towards a more resilient and sustainable future, ensuring food security while preserving the environment for generations to come.

Also Read: New Holland Agriculture Sweeps Indian Tractor of the Year Awards 2023 with Three Prestigious Wins