Proposals for Blending Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) with Chemical Fertilizers
The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has proposed a significant agricultural reform to enhance soil health and sustainability in India by 2030. The proposal involves a 10% mandatory blending of fermented organic manure with chemical fertilizers, predicting an annual import saving of $2 billion.
Key Points from the White Paper
- The white paper, titled ‘FOM feeds soil; soil feeds sustainability’, was released by the New and Renewable Energy Secretary, Santosh Kumar Sarangi.
- It highlights the need for blending as a critical intervention to restore India's declining soil health.
- A comprehensive policy framework is outlined, recommending the integration of FOM into existing government schemes such as:
- Nutrient-based subsidy framework
- Soil Health Card scheme
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Benefits of the Proposed Blending
- Incorporating organic carbon as a nutrient parameter is expected to:
- Enable balanced fertilization
- Ensure fair subsidy mechanisms for FOM
- Reduce excessive dependency on chemical fertilizers
- Address India's critically low soil organic carbon levels, currently at approximately 0.4%, affecting soil fertility, water retention, and crop productivity.
Implementation Strategy
- IBA proposes launching an umbrella national program to institutionalize these efforts, ensuring 100% offtake and utilization of FOM from biogas and compressed biogas.
- This program aims to create a circular ecosystem linking renewable energy with agriculture, establishing stable market demand.
- It will also strengthen fertilizer distribution networks through public sector undertakings and provide region-specific nutrient solutions.
Conclusion
Positioning fermented organic manure as a mainstream agricultural input is essential for achieving long-term soil regeneration and climate resilience. A structured blending mandate, supported by policy alignment and institutional collaboration, can transform India's agricultural landscape and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizer imports. The IBA stresses the need for immediate and coordinated policy action to maximize the potential of FOM in regenerative agriculture.
