Bacteria as bio-fertilisers to boost productivity in farm lands

By Syed Akbar

Hyderabad:  With farmers suffering heavily due to increased use of 

chemical fertilisers, scientists in Andhra Pradesh State have suggested
promotion of bio-fertilisers using bacterial culture to boost farm production
and prevent decline of soil health.

Farmers in the State have the dubious distinction of using the largest quantity 
of chemical fertilisers and pesticides in the country. More than half of the 
farm inputs consumed in the country goes into agricultural fields in Andhra 
Pradesh. Lakhs of acres of prime agricultural land has turned either saline or 
alkaline thanks to indiscriminate application of complex fertilisers and 
pesticides.


Scientists have now come out with well thought out plan to wean 
away farmers from harmful fertilisers by encouraging them to go in for bio-
fertilisers developed from bacterial culture. The State government earlier came out
with specific guidelines for manufacturers and traders on the quality of bio-fertilisers to 
prevent spurious culture.

The bacteria proposed for bio-fertiliser development include Rhizobium 
inoculants, Azotobacter chroococcum inoculants, Azospirillum inocculants 
and phosphate solubilising bacterial inoculant.


Registration of manufacturers is mandatory to maintain quality of bio-fertilisers
supplied in the State market. Adulteration of bio-fertilisers also invites penal
action including a prison term extending up to one year or and fine of Rs 50,000.