TN Agriculture department sets target for producing biofertilisers

The district-level biofertiliser laboratories have been given targets for producing seven kinds of these bacteria-based fertilisers that will help anchor nitrogen in the soil , says official

In an effort to encourage farmers to reduce their dependence on chemicals in farming, the in liquid form, which have a longer shelf life compared to the ones in powder form. "The district-level biofertiliser laboratories have been given targets for producing seven kinds of these bacteria-based fertilisers that will help anchor nitrogen in the soil and assist in making the available phosphate and phosphorus in the soil to the plants. These can be used for all kinds of plants, including paddy and vegetables. We have one targetted at groundnut and another for pulses," explained a senior official in the department. Not stopping with production, extension activities have also been planned to ensure proper usage of these biofertilisers. "The use of NPK fertilisers helps reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers by 25% and aids in improving the soil profile over a period of time. It also leads to a cut in agricultural input costs," explained another official.