The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has proposed a 10% mandatory blending of fermented organic manure with chemical fertilisers by 2030, stating that the move could help India save up to $2 billion annually on imports.
The recommendation is part of a white paper titled ‘FOM feeds soil; soil feeds sustainability’, recently presented by the association. The report was released by Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, The Hindu reported.
According to the IBA, blending fermented organic manure with chemical fertilisers is a key step to address declining soil health in the country. The report outlines a policy framework that suggests integrating such manure into major government programmes, including the nutrient-based subsidy system, the Soil Health Card scheme, and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
The association has also recommended including organic carbon as a parameter under the nutrient-based subsidy framework. This, it said, would support balanced fertiliser use, ensure fair subsidy support for fermented organic manure, and reduce overdependence on chemical fertilisers.
Highlighting the need for action, the IBA noted that India’s soil organic carbon levels are around 0.4%, which affects soil fertility, water retention, and crop yields.
To support implementation, the association has proposed a national-level programme to ensure full use of fermented organic manure produced from biogas and compressed biogas plants. The programme aims to link renewable energy production with agriculture in a circular system.
The IBA said such a mandate would help create steady demand, strengthen fertiliser distribution through public sector units, and allow for region-specific nutrient solutions.
IBA President A.R. Shukla said that promoting fermented organic manure as a regular agricultural input is important for long-term soil improvement and climate resilience. He added that a structured blending policy could reduce dependence on imported fertilisers while supporting sustainable farming.
The association emphasised that coordinated policy action is needed to expand the use of fermented organic manure and realise its full potential in India’s agriculture sector.
