The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has requested the government set aside Rs 1,000-crore (€113 million) in its upcoming budget to promote the use of fermented organic manure (FOM) in agriculture, reported Outlook India.
FOM is generated as a waste in the anaerobic digestion process. According to the IBA, around 2,000 tonnes of FOM is generated in India, which could be used in agriculture.
Most government incentives are focusing on the gas part of the biogas plant, but the organic fertiliser that comes out as a byproduct is equally important, according to the IBA.
"Rs 1,000 crore fund needs to be put in place to streamline the end-to-end process, especially to form and channelise the whole process through a committee of government representatives, industry associations and individuals working in the field of biogas. A part of the fund may go to incentivise and acknowledge producers of bio-fertilisers to promote production, and try out different business models, including contract farming," it said.
The government is already discussing making the purchase of biofertiliser mandatory for every bag of urea purchased by a farmer in order to promote organic nutrients and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers. Biogas plant-based fertiliser or FOM can be an addition to it, it added.
"The government may also implement policies to procure the bio-fertilizer through Public Sector Undertaking (PSUs) at a predetermined price based on the nutrient components in the slurry. The FOM can then be linked to enrichment units such as Phosphate Rich Organic Manure units, and other organic enrichment plants for value addition," the association said.
Indian government urged to pledge €113m for FOM in budget
