Organic fertiliser: A must for the next green revolution

Source– The post is based on the article “Organic fertiliser: A must for the next green revolution” published in the Down to Earth on 19th October 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Agriculture and Environment

News- The article explains the current status of the organic fertiliser industry in India and its future potential.

What is the meaning of organic fertiliser?

As per government rules,Organic fertiliser can be categorised into two segments: Bio-fertiliser and organic manure.

Bio-fertilisers are composed of living microorganisms. These are attached to solid or liquid carriers. These microorganisms help in increasing the productivity of soil.

Organic manure is partially decomposed organic matter from biogas plants, compost or vermi-compost.

What is the current status of the organic fertiliser industry?

In India at present, biofertilizer production is just over 110,000 tonnes. 34 million tonnes of organic manure is also produced.

The popularity of organic farming has grown in the domestic market in recent years. The market size for Indian organic packaged food is expected to grow at a rate of 17 per cent and cross Rs 871 million by 2021.

The penetration of organic fertilisers is low. The proportion of organic fertilisers of the overall fertiliser consumption was 0.29 per 0.34 per cent for 2019-20.

What is the potential of biogas plants?

Biogas plants produce biogas as well as organic fertilisers.

As per data of National Solid Waste Association and CPCB, India produces more than 150000 tonnes of municipal solid waste. If we consider organic waste to be 50% of this and collection efficiency of 80%, organic waste generated per day in India is around 65000 tonnes.

Even if half of this is diverted to the biogas industry, the government can reduce import dependence on fossil fuels and fertiliser.

The popularity of organic farming has grown in the domestic market in recent years. The market size for Indian organic packaged food is expected to grow at a rate of 17 per cent and cross Rs 871 million by 2021.

The penetration of organic fertilisers is low. The proportion of organic fertilisers of the overall fertiliser consumption was 0.29 per 0.34 per cent for 2019-20.

What is the SATAT programme?

Under the SATAT programme, more than 5,000 projects have been targeted across the country by the industry.

Bio-compressed natural gas and solid organic manure can be produced in large quantities under the SATAT programme.

It is estimated that 50 million tonnes per annum of solid organic manure / will be generated in India once these projects are installed. It will help the country save $16 billion year-on-year.