The Role and Future Potential of Bio-Fertilizers in Indian Agriculture
Sanjay Koushal *
Department of Agronomy, KVK, Reasi, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu) 180009, India.
Annupama Devi
Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhay Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Utlou, Manipur, India.
Jaydeep Panda
Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Horticulture and Forestry, ANDUAT University, India.
Samreen
Division of Agronomy, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Johnson Lakra
Fruit Science, MGUVV Sankara-Patan, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India.
Chandan Kumar Panigrahi
Department of Entomology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar-751003, India.
Nagarjuna S
University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Bangalore, India.
R. Wongamthing
College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur- 680656, India.
Bhim Singh
Division of Agronomy, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, SKUAST-Jammu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Only imports and subsidies have been able to guarantee the availability and affordability of chemical fertilisers made from fossil fuels at the farm level in India. Because of their non-toxicity, affordability, ease of use, and environmental friendliness, biofertilizers are currently a very effective substitute for chemical fertilisers. By making naturally available nutrients in the soil or environment advantageous to plants, they also serve as an adjunct to agrochemicals. If farmers and producers have the proper kind of access to information gleaned through experience and communication, this commodity could eventually show promise economically. The Indian government has been attempting to blend more advanced agrochemicals with biofertilizers. This study focuses on the success and failure issues in the Indian context to increase the potential for sustainable agriculture growth. Additionally, it emphasises the necessity of high levels of innovation, active involvement in scientific research and development, public awareness campaigns, and enticing business organisations and policy leaders to show interest in this area.
Keywords: Rhizobium, biofertilizers, nitrogen, bacteria, phosphorous