Transcript Document

Name:
Course:
University:
Roll No.:
Anirudh Mondal
B.Tech Biotechnology(2011-2015)
Thapar University Patiala Punjab
701100004
Summer Internship Undertaken at
RASHTRIYA CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS LTD.
MUMBAI
( A Govt. Of India Undertaking )
UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF:
Dr. Archana Kale
Deputy Manager, R&D Division, RCF Trombay Unit
[email protected]
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Mr. Anirudh Mondal of ‘Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab’ ;
pursuing Bachelors of Technology has satisfactorily completed his project on
“PRODUCTION PROCESS OF BIO FERTILIZERS” under our supervision during the
period from 3rd June to 3rd July at Rashtriya Chemicals and fertilizers Ltd Trombay
Unit, Chembur , Mumbai – 400 074.
Guide
Dr. Mrs. Archana Kale
Deputy Manager (R & D),
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd. Trombay Unit
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Archana Kale (Dy. Manager R & D)
for her assistance, able guidance, encouragement ,whole hearted cooperation and
constructive criticism during all the paces of my project.
I deeply express my sincere thanks to her for encouraging and allowing me to do the project in
a real and live industrial environment on the topic “PRODUCTION PROCESS OF BIO
FERTILIZERS” at the BIOLA Plant at RCF Trombay.
I would like to express my gratitude to Mrs. Jagruti , R & D Department for her constant
support throughout the project.
I would also like to thank all the employees and the support staff at Rashtriya Chemicals and
Fertilizers Ltd. for their motivation and support.
Dr. Archana Kale
(Deputy Manager, R&D Division, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited)
PAGE NO.
Introduction to RCF
5
Problem with chemical fertilizers and Introduction Of Bio Fertilizers
6-9
Production Scenario in India
10-12
Types Of Bio Fertilizers
13-27
How are bio fertilizer applied to crops
28
Getting good response to bio fertilizer application
29
Probable reasons for not getting response from the application of bio fertilizers
30
Precautions
31
Production Of Biola ( PSB Bio Fertilizer)
32-41
Product Details Of Biola
42-43
Development and Marketability Of Bio Fertilizers
44-50
Conclusions
51
INTRODUCTION TO RASHTRIYA CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS LIMITED
Rashtriya chemicals and fertilizers limited (RCFL) , is one of the leading public sector unit in India, directly
under the ministry of chemicals and fertilizers, government of India based in Mumbai. RCFL is manufacturer
of industrial chemicals and fertilizers with a “MINIRATNA" status awarded by the Government of India.
RCFL was incorporated under the Companies Act 1956. RCFL currently has 2 Units:
1. Trombay Unit situated in Trombay (Chembur), Maharashtra.
2. Thal Unit situated at Alibaug, Rajgad, Maharashtra.
Both the Units of RCFL are accredited with ISO-14001 certification for the environmental systems while Thal
Industrial Products are accredited with ISO 9002 certification for quality control. Thal and Trombay Units
have also received OHSAS-18001 certification.
RCFL has constantly striven to maintain the environment in its vicinity. Several Projects notable among them
being the Chembur Green Project at Trombay and the afforestation of Thal have been highly successful.
RCFL has invested substantially in Pollution abatement schemes at Trombay and Thal through technology up
gradation. RCF has won several awards for pollution control and clean technology. Notable awards being the
Indira Gandhi Memorial award for Pollution control and the Rajiv Gandhi Award for clean technology
awarded to Thal.
RCFL has been an MOU signing Company since 1988-89. The Company also received MERIT CERTIFICATE for
excellence in the Achievement of MOU targets for the year 2009-2010, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.
Problem with Chemical Fertilizers
• After the introduction of chemical fertilizers in the last century, farmers were
happy of getting increased yield in agriculture in the beginning.
• But slowly chemical fertilizers started displaying their ill-effects such as
leaching out, and polluting water basins, destroying micro-organisms and
friendly insects, making the crop more susceptible to the attack of diseases,
reducing the soil fertility and thus causing irreparable damage to the overall
system.
BIO FERTILIZERS- INTRODUCTION AND ADVANTAGES
• A bio fertilizer is a substance which contains living microorganisms which, when
applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the rhizosphere or the interior of
the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary
nutrients to the host plant
• Bio fertilizers add nutrients through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation,
solubilizing phosphorus, and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of
growth-promoting substances
• Bio fertilizers can be expected to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides
• Through the use of bio fertilizers, healthy plants can be grown, while enhancing
the sustainability and the health of the soil
• Since they play several roles, a preferred scientific term for such beneficial
bacteria is "plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria" (PGPR)
• They are extremely advantageous in enriching soil fertility and fulfilling plant
nutrient requirements by supplying the organic nutrients through
microorganism and their byproducts.
• Bio fertilizers do not contain any chemicals which are harmful to the living soil.
• Bio fertilizers eco friendly organic agro-input and more cost-effective than
chemical fertilizers.
• Since a bio fertilizer is technically living, it can symbiotically associate with plant
roots. Involved microorganisms could readily and safely convert complex organic
material in simple compounds, so that plants are easily taken up. Microorganism
function is in long duration, causing improvement of the soil fertility
• It maintains the natural habitat of the soil. It increases crop yield by 20-30%,
replaces chemical nitrogen and phosphorus by 25%, and stimulates plant
growth. It can also provide protection against drought and some soil-borne
diseases.
• Bio fertilizers are cost-effective relative to chemical fertilizers. They have lower
manufacturing costs, especially regarding nitrogen and phosphorus use.
Manufacturers Of Bio-Fertilizers in India
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Limited Mumbai
Agri Life Hyderabad
Mani Dharma Biotech Limited Chennai
Maharashtra Chemicals and Fertilizers Pune
Star Trace Private Limited Chennai
East Coast Seaweed Inc. Madurai
Shree Bio care India Ahmedabad
Production Scenario
2010-11
2009-09
2008-09
2007-08
2006-07
2005-06
0
5000
10000
15000
Share of different biofertilizers to
total production (2010-11)
Others, 1700, Mycorrhiza,
Rhizobium,
2600, 7%
4%
4560, 12%
20000
25000
35000
West, 12960,
34%
North East,
1003, 3%
North,
2486,
7%
South,
20660,
54%
PSB, 18800,
50%
40000
Fig. 2 Production of Biofertilizers
in different regions of the country
Azotobacter,
4200, 11%
Azospirillum,
6100, 16%
30000
East, 887, 2%
Important Bio fertilizer Producing States
Andhra Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh
1000
Maharashtra
1217
Karnataka
6930
2925
Madhya
Pradesh
2455
3257
Kerala
6318
Gujarat
8691
Tamil Nadu
TYPES OF BIO FERTILIZERS
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
N2 fixing Bio Fertilizers.
P Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
P Mobilizing Bio Fertilizers
Silicate Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
Zinc Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria
K solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
VAM Bio Fertilizers
Nitrogen Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
Rhizobium is a nitrogen fixing bio fertilizer. Rhizobium sp.
is the symbiotic nitrogen fixer which assimilates
atmospheric nitrogen and fixes in the root nodule,
formed in the roots of leguminous plants. These bacteria
infect the roots of leguminous plants, leading to the
formation of “lumps” or “nodules” where the nitrogen
fixation takes place. The bacterium also produces
enzymes (nitrogenase) that supply a constant source of
reduced nitrogen to the host plant. Bio promoterrhizobium is available as carrier based powder
formulation and also in liquid formulation.
Suitable for:
Ground nut, Black gram, Green gram, Red gram, Cow pea,
Bengal gram, Mustard, Soy bean, French bean, Cluster
bean, Lab-lab, Sesbania sp, Leguminous trees etc.
Azospirillum is a nitrogen fixing bio fertilizer. Nitrogen is a
major nutrient for all plants. Azospirillum lipofereum is a
very useful soil and root bacterium. It is an associative
symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria. It is found in the soil
around plant roots and root surface. It also produces
growth-promoting substances like indole acetic acid (iaa),
gibberellins, pantothenic acid, thiamine and niacin and it
promotes root proliferation and it improve the plant
growth yield. It increases the rootlet density and root
branching resulting in the increased uptake of mineral
and water.
Suitable for:
Millets, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, sugarcane,
banana, coconut, oil palm, cotton, chilly, lime, coffee and
tea, areca nut and rubber, flower, spices, and condiments,
herbs, lawns and ornaments, trees etc.
N2 fixing Bio Fertilizers
S.No.
Groups
Examples
1.
Free-living
Azotobacter, Beijerinkia, Clostridium,
Klebsiella, Anabaena, Nostoc
2.
Symbiotic
Rhizobium, Frankia, Anabaena azollae
3.
Associative Symbiotic
Azospirillum
Potassium Mobilizing Bio Fertilizer
Potash Mobilizer is a beneficial bacterium capable of
mobilizing Potassium available in soil into the root zone of
plants. It works well in all types of soil. Use of such bacteria
in powder form can increase the availability of more potash
in usable form to the plants.
Benefits:
Mobilizes the insoluble potash in the soil into easily
available form to the plant.
Potash mobilized is immediately available to the plants.
stimulates flowering and fruiting.
Improves soil properties and sustains soil fertility.
Encourages plumpness and succulence of fruits and grains
and increases brix level.
Increases the yield from 10% - 20%
Improves the quality of produce and thus fetches good
price.
Phosphorous Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
Phosphobacteria is one of the bio fertilizer. Phosphorus is a
major nutrient for plants inducing vigorous growth and also
contributing to their disease resistance. Phosphorous helps in
root formation and plant growth. The plants utilize only 10–
15% of phosphate applied. The balance 85 – 90% remains in
insoluble form in the soil. The bio promoters has highly
efficient phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus megaterium)
that grow and secrete organic acids, which dissolve this
unavailable phosphate into soluble form and make it available
to the plants. Thus, the residual phosphate fertilizers in the soil
can be well utilized and external application can be optimized.
Advantages:
Biopromoter facilitates root formation and plant growth.
It improves soil quality with subsequent uses.
It should not be mixed with antibacterial agents and inorganic
fertilizers.
P Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
S.No.
1.
2.
Groups
Bacteria
Fungi
Examples
Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum, Bacillus
subtilis,Bacillus circulans, Pseudomonas striata
Penicillium sp, Aspergillus awamori
P Mobilizing Bio Fertilizers
S.No.
Groups
Examples
1.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza
Glomus sp.,Gigaspora sp.,Acaulospora sp.,
Scutellospora sp. and Sclerocystis sp.
2.
Ectomycorrhiza
Laccaria sp., Pisolithus sp., Boletus sp.,
Amanita sp.
3.
Ericoid mycorrhizae
Pezizella ericae
4.
Orchid mycorrhiza
Rhizoctonia solani
Zinc Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
Zinc Mobilizer is a bio fertilizer made of pure
cultures of naturally occurring soil-borne zinc
solubilizing bacterium. Zinc solubilizing
bacterium multiplies, secrete organic acids
and helps to solubilize insoluble and chelated
zinc fixed in the soil. This mobilized zinc is
easily available to the plants.
Examples: Bacillus
Vesicular Arbuscular Endomycorrhiza (VAM)
VAM plays a great role in inducing plant growth. VAM are
symbiotic entophytic soil fungi, which colonize the roots of
approximately 80% plants. VAM fungi produce hyphae, which
are microscopic tubes that colonize crop roots and grow out
into the soil further than root hairs. Nutrients are taken up by
the hyphae and carried back to the plant. This results into very
efficient mobilization and uptake of fertilizers and other
nutrients by plants. The VAM hyphae also helps is retaining
moisture around the root zone of plants. VAM increase the
resistance to root borne or soil borne pathogens and
nematodes. enhanced colonization of introduced population
of beneficial soil organisms like Azotobacter, azospirillum,
ehizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria around
mycorrhizal roots thereby exerting synergistic effects on plant
growth.
Suitable for:
Turmeric, Banana, Rubber, Coffee, Tea, Pepper,
Cardamom, Cocoa, Fruit trees, Tree seedlings and species etc.
Mycorrhiza
• Mycorrhizae are a group of fungi that include a number of types based on the different
structures formed inside or outside the root. These are specific fungi that match with a
number of favorable parameters of the host plant on which it grows.
• This includes soil type, the presence of particular chemicals in the soil types, and other
conditions.
• These fungi grow on the roots of these plants. In fact, seedlings that have mycorrhizal
fungi growing on their roots survive better after transplantation and grow faster. The
fungal symbiont gets shelter and food from the plant which, in turn, acquires an array of
benefits such as better uptake of phosphorus, salinity and drought tolerance,
maintenance of water balance, and overall increase in plant growth and development.
• While selecting fungi, the right fungi have to be matched with the plant. There are
specific fungi for vegetables, fodder crops, flowers, trees, etc.
• Mycorrhizal fungi can increase the yield of a plot of land by 30%-40%. It can absorb
phosphorus from the soil and pass it on to the plant. Mycorrhizal plants show higher
tolerance to high soil temperatures, various soil- and root-borne pathogens, and heavy
metal toxicity.
Legume-rhizobium relationship
• Leguminous plants require high quantities of nitrogen compared to other
plants.
• Nitrogen is an inert gas and its uptake is possible only in fixed form, which is
facilitated by the rhizobium bacteria present in the nodules of the root system.
•
The
bacterium
lives
in
the
soil
to
form
root
nodules (i.e. outgrowth on roots) in plants such as beans, gram, groundnut, and
soybean.
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae are considered the simplest, living autotrophic plants, i.e.
organisms capable of building up food materials from inorganic matter. They are
microscopic. Blue-green algae are widely distributed in the aquatic environment.
Some of them are responsible for water blooms in stagnant water. They adapt to
extreme weather conditions and are found in snow and in hot springs, where the
water is 85 °C.
Certain blue-green algae live intimately with other organisms in a symbiotic
relationship.
Some are associated with the fungi in form of lichens. The ability of blue-green
algae to photosynthesize food and fix atmospheric nitrogen accounts for their
symbiotic associations and also for their presence in paddy fields.
Blue-green algae are of immense economic value as they add organic matter to
the soil and increase soil fertility. Barren alkaline lands in India have been
reclaimed and made productive by inducing the proper growth of certain bluegreen algae.
How are Bio Fertilizers applied to crops?
Seed treatment:
200 g of nitrogenous bio fertilizer and 200 g of Phosphotika are suspended in 300-400 ml
of water and mixed thoroughly. Ten kg seeds are treated with this paste and dried in
shade. The treated seeds have to be sown as soon as possible.
Seedling root dip:
For rice crop, a bed is made in the field and filled with water. Recommended bio fertilizers
are mixed in this water and the roots of seedlings are dipped for 8-10 hrs.
Soil treatment:
4 kg each of the recommended bio fertilizers are mixed in 200 kg of compost and kept
overnight. This mixture is incorporated in the soil at the time of sowing or planting.
How could one get good response to bio fertilizer application?
• Bio fertilizer product must contain good effective strain in appropriate
population and should be free from contaminating microorganisms.
• Select right combination of bio fertilizers and use before expiry date.
• Use suggested method of application and apply at appropriate time as per the
information provided on the label.
• For seed treatment adequate adhesive should be used for better results.
• For problematic soils use corrective methods like lime or gypsum pelleting of
seeds or correction of soil pH by use of lime.
• Ensure the supply of phosphorus and other nutrients.
What would be probable reasons for not getting
response from the application of bio fertilizers?
1. On account of quality of product
1. Use of ineffective strain.
2. Insufficient population of microorganisms.
3. High level of contaminants.
2. On account of inadequate storage facilities
1. May have been exposed to high temperature.
2. May have been stored in hostile conditions.
3. On account of usage
1. Not used by recommended method in appropriate doses.
2. Poor quality adhesive.
3. Used with strong doses of plant protection chemicals.
4. On account of soil and environment
1. High soil temperature or low soil moisture.
2. Acidity or alkalinity in soil.
3. Poor availability of phosphorous and molybdenum.
4. Presence of high native population or presence of bacteriophages.
What precautions one should take for using bio fertilizers?
• Bio fertilizer packets need to be stored in cool and dry place away from direct
sunlight and heat.
• Right combinations of bio fertilizers have to be used.
• As Rhizobium is crop specific, one should use for the specified crop only.
• Other chemicals should not be mixed with the bio fertilizers.
• While purchasing one should ensure that each packet is provided with necessary
information like name of the product, name of the crop for which intended, name
and address of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, date of expiry, batch
number and instructions for use.
• The packet has to be used before its expiry, only for the specified crop and by the
recommended method of application.
• Bio fertilizers are live product and require care in the storage
• Both nitrogenous and phosphatic bio fertilizers are to be used to get the best
results.
• It is important to use bio fertilizers along with chemical fertilizers and organic
manures.
• Bio fertilizers are not replacement of fertilizers but can supplement plant nutrient
requirements.
Bio Fertilizers Production Process
Preparation of Media for Culture
•
•
•
•
Zinc Solubilizing
Phosphate Solubilizing
Potassium Solubilizing
Nitrogen Solubilizing
• For Each Medium, if preparing 100 ml of media add agar of 2.5 mg.
Phosphate Solubilizing Medium
S.No.
Name of the Chemicals
Quantity in Grams/ litre
1.
D-Glucose
10
2.
Potassium Chloride
0.2
3.
Yeast Extract
0.5
4.
Ammonium Sulphate
0.5
5.
Manganese Sulphate
0.003
6.
Ferrous Sulphate
0.003
7.
Tri Calcium Phosphate
0.5
8.
Magnesium Sulphate
0.1
Jensen's Media (Nitrogen Fixing)
S.No.
Name Of the Chemicals
Quantity in Grams/litre
1.
Sucrose
20
2.
Magnesium Sulphate
0.5
3.
Potassium Di hydro Phosphate
1.0
4.
Calcium Carbonate
2.0
5.
Ferrous Sulphate
0.1
6.
Sodium Chloride
0.5
7.
Sodium Molybdenate
0.005
8.
Distilled Water
1 litre
Zinc Solubilizing Medium
S.no.
Name Of Chemicals
Quantity in Grams/litre
1.
D-Glucose
10
2.
Ammonium Sulphate
1.0
3.
Potassium Chloride
0.2
4.
Potassium Di hydro Phosphate
0.1
5.
Magnesium Sulphate
0.2
6.
Water
1000 ml
7.
ZnO/ZnCO3
1.0
Potassium Solubilizing Medium
S.No.
Name Of Chemicals
Quantity in Grams/ litre
1.
Glucose
5.0
2.
Magnesium Sulphate
0.005
3.
Ferric Chloride
0.1
4.
Calcium Carbonate
2.0
5.
Potassium mineral ( mica powder)
2.0
6.
Calcium Phosphate
2.0
Mother Culture
Seed Culture
Fermentation Culture
Mother Culture
Bacterial growth from original culture i.e. from
lyophilized mineral slant is sub cultured on nutrient
medium in petri plates and slants. The purpose is
multiplication of bacteria.
Receiver Tank
Liquid Filling Machine
It includes transfer of isolated pure colonies from
petri plates to test tubes, slants and further to broth
(250-500 ml).
Capping Machine
Induction Heat Sealing
Labeling and Stamping
Packing Heat Shrink Tunnel
Storage Temp 20-25 C
Maintenance of culture by mineral oil.
Lyophilisation and production of tube slant culture as
per production requirements.
Preparation Of Media
• All the media components are
weighed accurately according to the
values mentioned in the tables for 1
litre. Put Components accordingly in
the flask.
• In the media flask DM water is taken
and all the components are dissolved
in it. pH is adjusted.
• For solid medium Agar is added and
for liquid medium agar is not added.
• Then it is kept for sterilization in the
autoclave at 121 oC temperature and
1.5 kg per square cms pressure for 20
minutes
• Media is cooled at room temperature.
Mother Culture
Seed Culture
Fermentation Culture
Receiver Tank
Liquid Filling Machine
Capping Machine
Induction Heat Sealing
Seed Culture
Seed Culture is propagation of bacteria in broth
(liquid media) in flasks of capacity 250 ml or 500 ml
for inoculation.
First Bacterial Suspension is prepared and loop full
suspension is transferred to the broth in the flask
under aseptic conditions. The flask is kept on shaker
for shaking for 72 Hrs.
It will help for rapid multiplication and population in
the flask increases up to 108 cells per ml.
Labeling and Stamping
Packing Heat Shrink Tunnel
Storage Temp 20-25 C
Similarly bottle broth inoculation is done. This
culture is used in the fermenter inoculation.
Mother Culture
Seed Culture
Bio Reactor Fermentation
Final Culture is prepared in this step. Bio Reactor is
operated with 2/3rd its capacity with proper aeration
and agitation.
Fermentation Culture
Receiver Tank
Sterile medium in this vessel is inoculated with seed
culture. It is mixed with agitator.
Liquid Filling Machine
Capping Machine
Filtered air is allowed through filter for aeration.
Fermentation is done for 72 hours. until population
reaches up to 10 to the power of 8 per lt.
Induction Heat Sealing
Labeling and Stamping
Now this broth reaches for blending purpose. During
this process micro organisms secretes some acids in
the solution due to which pH decreases very much.
Packing Heat Shrink Tunnel
Storage Temp 20-25 C
It is maintained in the range of 6.5-7.5 by addition of
40% NaOH.
PRODUCT DETAILS
Specification :
Microbial Count : 1 X 108 cell/ml
Properties:
Color:
Odor:
Shelf Life:
Strain Used:
Creamy
Curdy
1 year at 20 to 25 C
Bacillus firmus
Uses:
Phosphate solubilizing bio fertilizers are recommend for all types of soil and crops.
Therefore phosphate solubilizing bio fertilizers are having wide range of utility.
Methods Of Application:
For 1 acre, use 200 mL Biola mixed with 200 litres of water . This can be directly
sprayed on the soil or broadcast with farm yard manure.
Seed Application:
Mix 15 ml Biola with 1 litre water and dip the seed for 30 minutes. Dry in Shade and
use for sowing.
Advantages Of Biola:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biola is eco friendly bio inoculant.
Enhance plant growth by release of vitamins, auxins and hormones.
10-30% crop yield increase with use.
Improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil.
Enhance seed germination.
Enhance plant flowering and maturity.
Increases phosphate uptake efficiency.
No harmful effect on soil fertility and plant growth.
Plant growth promotions.
Development and Marketing Of Bio Fertilizers
OVERVIEW:
For the past four decades or so farmers have been using chemical fertilizers as an
important farm input apart from seeds, farm implements, etc.
For the farmer, a fertilizer is a substance, which provides vital nutrients for plant
growth. The primary nutrients required for plant growth are nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium.
Chemical fertilizers are chemical compounds, which provide these primary
nutrients and therefore have a fixed formula. Chemical fertilizers are applied to
soil in order to enrich it with required nutrients.
Results of chemical fertilizer usage are easily and immediately visible in terms of
increased yield per hectare. However, in the long run, they show diminishing
returns.
Problems Regarding The Marketing Of Bio Fertilizers:
• Lack of awareness of:
• Farmers
• Dealers
• Officers
• Extension Workers
• Difficulty in understanding and usage of Bio Fertilizers by the Farmers
• NON AVAILABILITY OF BIO FERTILIZERS:
• Bio-fertilizers are distributed through the Gram Panchayats.
However, 3 out of 4 farmers who are currently using bio-fertilizers
say that they are not available through the Gram Panchayat. The
government sells bio-fertilizers at subsidized rates to farmers
through its own distribution mechanism consisting of Block
Development Officers, Taluka Krishi Adhikaris, Gram Sevaks and
other types of extension workers who promote the Integrated
Nutrient Management Programme.
Bio-fertilizers are also
available through the dealer network, but very few dealers stock
bio-fertilizers.
• Results are not immediately seen
• Results of bio-fertilizer usage are not immediately apparent and not easily
attributable. 3 out of 4 farmers, who were aware of bio-fertilizers, feel
that results are slow. Farmers classify results of bio-fertilizer usage under
3 heads: increase in soil fertility, increase in yield, and improvement in
quality of produce. Without an exception, all farmers feel that results of
bio-fertilizer usage are slow.
• Role Of the Government
• Without exception, all farmers said that they have not got any information
about bio-fertilizers from Government agencies, like Gram Sevaks and
Panchayat Samitis.
Examples of New Commercial Microbial Inoculants
Commercial microbial inoculants of other beneficial microorganisms have
begun to appear on the market on a small scale. These include "Azogreen",
a French-approved Azospirillum inoculant.
COST OF DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING
The cost of developing a new product by the agrochemical industry has been
estimated at over $80 million US and rising . The development of resistance to
pesticides may shorten the commercial life of these products and thus their
potential return. The development of bacterial inoculants is claimed to be
cheaper than that of agrochemicals.
The following are some factors that reduce the costs of development
of bacterial inoculants which makes them attractive to the
agrochemical industry:
(i) Reduced registration costs compared to those of
chemical-product test programs t hat are well- established and costly.
(ii) Reduced registration time decreases the time span from first screening
to market, thus increasing revenues
(iii) The possibility of developing bacterial products for small markets.
Since the cost involved in bringing a new chemical to the marketplace is
so large, the product must be targeted to a market large enough to have a
good return
on investment. This limits the choice of crops to the major crops only.
(iv) Although fermentation is costlier than chemical production, the
fermentation plant is more versatile.
Other motivational steps for the agrochemical industry to develop
bacterial inoculants might be:
• It is less likely that pathogens will develop resistance as fast as they
do to chemical products.
• Some bacterial inoculants, especially those that use an organism
employing a single mechanism against the pathogen, can also
develop resistance.
• They are "environment friendly". The "natural“ tag of bacterial
inoculants (especially those that are non engineered and
indigenous) make them more acceptable in the public eye, and
especially t o the "Green movement" pressure groups, than
chemicals.
Market requirement
First, all the considerations mentioned above (efficient strains, optimized
formulations, cost-effective production, and good and practical inoculation
techniques) are not sufficient to launch a new product on the market nor guarantee
its success. The following practical variables should be considered:
(i) The product must be efficient and reliable in large-scale field trials and especially
under "real life" conditions.
(iii) Obviously, patents on industrial processes and registration of biological products
must be secured
(iv) For every potential customer country, a market survey must be done which
examines customer demand, market size, and expected selling price.
CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
 The agrochemical industry is more sympathetic now to the concept of
bacterial inoculants than it has been previously. There is a genuine
interest in developing bacterial products that are reliable and that can act
as complements to chemicals already on the market
 Greenhouse crops are also primary targets for commercial inoculants
 A gradual and modest increase in the use of bacterial inoculants is to be
expected.
 Agriculture in developed countries is definitely the major promoter of
microbial inoculants that are "environmentally friendly“.
 Promotion of bio fertilizers from the government and making it available
at a reasonable rate to the farmers in India with the support of
distributers and regional officers would help in the cause of promotion
of bio fertilizers which are environment friendly.