The Government of India is promoting the use of organic fertilisers produced from biogas plants through the Market Development Assistance Scheme, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers Jagat Prakash Nadda informed the Rajya Sabha, DD News reported.
In a written reply, the minister said the scheme supports organic fertilisers produced under the GOBARdhan Scheme and compressed biogas facilities. Under the initiative, the government provides financial assistance of Rs 1,500 per metric tonne for products such as fermented organic manure (FOM), liquid fermented organic manure (LFOM) and phosphate-rich organic manure (PROM).
According to the minister, 120 compressed biogas and biogas plants had been registered on the Integrated Fertilizer Management System portal as of March 4, 2026. This allows these plants to sell organic fertilisers through an organised platform.
To strengthen the marketing network, fertiliser marketing companies have been encouraged to sign agreements with CBG plant operators. So far, 44 memoranda of understanding have been signed for marketing FOM, LFOM and PROM.
The government has also asked fertiliser companies to conduct outreach programmes for farmers across the country. Between February 2025 and January 2026, 24 fertiliser marketing companies organised 15,690 farmer meetings and camps to create awareness about the benefits and proper use of organic fertilisers.
These programmes included demonstrations on the application of FOM, LFOM, PROM, press mud-based manure and city compost. Farmers were also given guidance on fertiliser dosage, crop-specific application and the advantages of organic inputs.
The minister said the initiative aims to promote balanced fertiliser use, integrated nutrient management and organic farming while improving soil health.
Government data shows that sales of FOM, LFOM and PROM increased sharply from 56,058 metric tonnes in 2023–24 to 3.36 lakh metric tonnes in 2024–25, and further to more than 16.72 lakh metric tonnes during 2025–26 up to February 28. Overall sales have crossed 20.65 lakh metric tonnes since the scheme was launched.
The government has so far released Rs 111.72 crore under the scheme, including Rs 28 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 83.72 crore during 2025–26 up to February 28.
With the scheme set to conclude this year, its impact is currently being evaluated by NITI Aayog. In addition, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research has been assigned a two-year research project to conduct field demonstrations and scientific studies on FOM and LFOM.
