India’s agricultural sector relies heavily on chemical fertilisers to sustain crop production. However, this dependence has created significant challenges for the country. India consumes more than 70 million tonnes of mineral fertilisers every year, making it the world’s second-largest consumer after China. Since domestic reserves of key resources such as natural gas and potash remain limited, the country imports nearly 90 per cent of its fertiliser requirements in the form of raw materials or finished products.
As a result, global geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions directly impact India’s fertiliser availability and pricing. Events such as the Ukraine conflict and ongoing tensions in West Asia have exposed the risks associated with excessive dependence on imports.
Environmental Concerns and Imbalanced Usage
At the same time, the overuse of chemical fertilisers has created environmental concerns. Farmers often apply excessive quantities of urea, leading to an imbalance in nutrient usage and neglecting essential micronutrients and organic matter. Consequently, soil fertility declines over time, fertiliser-use efficiency decreases, and agricultural productivity suffers.
Furthermore, continuous dependence on chemical fertilisers contributes to soil degradation and environmental pollution, making sustainable alternatives increasingly important.
Biofertilisers Offer a Sustainable Alternative
Biofertilisers present a viable solution to these challenges. These products contain beneficial microorganisms that naturally improve the availability of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc in the soil. Unlike chemical fertilisers, biofertilisers enhance nutrient uptake through natural biological processes, including nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilisation.
According to agricultural experts, biofertilisers can replace a portion of chemical fertilisers in major crops without compromising productivity. In addition, they improve soil health, support biodiversity, and reduce the environmental impact of farming practices.
Industry and Government Support
As per The Economic Times, scientific studies have shown that integrating biofertilisers with balanced nutrient management practices can increase crop yields while reducing chemical fertiliser consumption by up to 30 per cent. These findings highlight the potential of biofertilisers to strengthen India’s agricultural resilience and reduce import dependence.
Recognising these benefits, both the government and private sector have begun investing in biofertiliser research, production, and quality improvement. Institutions such as the National Centre for Organic and Natural Farming are supporting certification, testing, and farmer awareness programmes. Meanwhile, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are expanding training initiatives to encourage adoption at the grassroots level.
Challenges to Wider Adoption
Despite their advantages, biofertilisers still account for a relatively small share of India’s nutrient management system. Several factors continue to hinder large-scale adoption. For example, biofertilisers have a limited shelf life and require proper storage conditions. Inconsistent product quality and inadequate standardisation further reduce farmer confidence.
Moreover, many farmers lack access to training and extension services that explain the correct application methods and long-term benefits of biofertilisers.
The Road Ahead
To accelerate adoption, policymakers and industry stakeholders must strengthen quality control mechanisms, expand production facilities, and improve farmer outreach programmes. Demonstration projects, targeted incentives, and stronger extension services can help build trust and encourage farmers to transition toward integrated nutrient management practices.
By reducing chemical fertiliser use even modestly in the short term, India can lower import costs, minimise exposure to global supply disruptions, and improve soil health. Over the long term, widespread adoption of biofertilisers can support a more sustainable, self-reliant, and resilient agricultural sector.
