Indian Biogas Association Urges Mandatory Organic Manure Blending by 2030

Proposal for Mandatory Blending

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has called for a mandate requiring the blending of fermented organic manure (FOM) with chemical fertilizers. The association is urging the Indian government to implement a 10% mandatory blending requirement by the year 2030.

According to the IBA, this policy shift could result in annual savings of $2 billion in fertilizer imports. The proposal is designed to reduce the nation's reliance on imported chemical inputs while simultaneously improving soil fertility.

White Paper and Sustainability Goals

The details of this initiative were outlined in a recently presented white paper titled "FOM Feeds Soil, Soil Feeds Sustainability". The document argues that the integration of fermented organic manure into the agricultural system is essential for restoring soil health.

By promoting sustainable agriculture, the IBA seeks to transition away from a heavy reliance on purely chemical fertilizers. The association suggests that the implementation of this blending mandate should be phased and integrated into existing government schemes to ensure a smooth transition for the agricultural sector.

Context of Biogas and FOM

Fermented organic manure is a byproduct of the biogas production process. Biogas itself is a renewable gaseous fuel generated from various organic materials, including agricultural residues, manure, municipal waste, plant matter, sewage, wastewater, green waste, and food waste.

The use of the resulting organic manure as a fertilizer supplement is presented by the IBA as a method to create a more circular agricultural economy, utilizing waste products to enhance the productivity of the land.