Biogas Association Seeks Incentives To Promote Fermented Organic Manure Cut Fertiliser Imports
Date
7/15/2024 2:17:20 PM
(MENAFN- KNN India)
New Delhi, Jul 15 (KNN) The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has called on the government to encourage state-owned fertiliser marketing companies to increase their adoption of fermented organic manure, according to a recent report by PTI.
This move could potentially reduce India's fertiliser import costs by at least USD 1.5 billion.
IBA Chairman Gaurav Kedia emphasised that compressed biogas (CBG), which can be produced from manure, could assist the government in meeting its cleaner energy targets before 2030. Kedia described biogas as a 'highly underutilised opportunity.'
India's fertiliser import bill stood at USD12 billion in 2020-21 and is projected to reach USD 20 billion by 2030. Currently, the country produces 1 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTA) of fermented organic manure.
With 570 plants in development, this production could increase to 7 million tonnes, potentially meeting the needs of a state like Rajasthan.
The report indicates that India has approximately 97 functional CBG plants, each capable of producing 7.5 tonnes of biogas daily.
In the 2021-22 fiscal year, India consumed 63.6 million tonnes of fertiliser, with states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat being the largest consumers.
Kedia proposed that the Department of Fertilisers should ensure companies like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and NFL support the marketing of fermented organic manure alongside chemical fertilisers.
He also suggested that the Ministry of Agriculture promote the use of fermented organic manure through its agricultural services, including Krishi Vikas Kendras (KVKs), and that agricultural universities conduct field demonstrations to increase its popularity among farmers.
This initiative aligns with India's efforts to reduce dependency on imported fertilisers and promote more sustainable agricultural practices.
(KNN Bureau)
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