This New Biofertilizer Uses Helpful Microbes, Could It Reduce Farmers’ Dependence on Chemical Fertilisers?

Farmers often depend on chemical fertilisers to supply nutrients quickly. But scientists are also developing products that use beneficial microorganisms to support soil and plant health. One recent example is Kashi AzoBC, a microbial consortium biofertilizer developed through ICAR research and highlighted by ICAR on September 8, 2026.

What Is Kashi AzoBC?

Kashi AzoBC combines useful microorganisms that can support nutrient availability around plant roots. The idea is different from simply supplying nutrients directly through fertiliser bags. Microbes can interact with soil and roots, helping plants access nutrients already present or added to the field.

Biofertilizers are not a replacement for every fertiliser requirement. Their performance depends on soil conditions, crop type, moisture and application methods. Farmers should therefore treat microbial products as part of a nutrient management plan rather than expecting them to solve every soil fertility problem.

The development of products such as Kashi AzoBC is important because Indian agriculture needs ways to maintain soil health while keeping crop production economically viable. Microbial inputs can become one option for farmers who want to combine conventional fertilisers with biological products.

Healthy agricultural soil contains bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. Some of them help break down organic matter, release nutrients and interact with plant roots. Repeatedly applying nutrients without paying attention to soil condition can make nutrient management more difficult over time.

Microbial products aim to use these natural processes. Some microorganisms can fix atmospheric nitrogen, while others can help make phosphorus or other nutrients more available to plants. The actual benefit varies between products, crops and field conditions, so farmers should follow recommendations rather than applying larger quantities.

Farmers can also support useful soil microbes through practices such as adding suitable organic matter, retaining crop residues where practical and avoiding unnecessary disturbance. These practices can complement biological inputs and help create better conditions for microorganisms to remain active.

How Farmers Should Use Such Products

Before buying any biofertilizer, farmers should check the crop recommendation, microbial strains, expiry date, storage instructions and application method. A product designed for one crop or purpose may not provide the same results in another crop. Certified and properly labelled products are safer choices.

Farmers should also avoid storing microbial products in direct sunlight or excessive heat unless the product label specifically permits it. Living microorganisms can lose effectiveness if storage conditions are poor. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is therefore as important as choosing the right product.

The timing of application also matters. Microorganisms need suitable moisture and soil conditions to become active. Farmers should ask agricultural officers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras or local agricultural universities about the recommended dose and method for their crop.

The answer will depend on the crop and field. A biofertilizer should not automatically be treated as a way to eliminate chemical fertilisers. Farmers should first understand their soil nutrient status and crop requirements before changing their fertiliser programme.

Soil testing can help farmers decide where nutrients are actually needed. Combining soil-test-based fertiliser use with suitable organic and microbial inputs may help avoid unnecessary applications. This approach can also make it easier to identify whether a biological product is giving a useful response.

Farmers should test new products on a small portion of the field before using them across their entire farm. Comparing plant growth, crop health and final yield against an untreated or normally managed section can provide a clearer picture of whether the product works under local conditions.

What Farmers Can Learn From This

Kashi AzoBC is one example of how agricultural research is moving beyond simply producing new chemical inputs. The focus is also shifting towards soil biology and the microorganisms that interact with crops. ICAR has highlighted the product as a recent development related to soil and plant health.

For farmers, the larger lesson is simple. Soil fertility is not only about adding more fertiliser. Good nutrient management combines soil testing, balanced fertilisation, organic matter, suitable crop practices and, where useful, biological inputs. Farmers should judge each product by field results rather than promotional claims.

Before adopting a new biofertilizer, farmers should consult their KVK or agriculture department, check whether it is recommended for their crop and start with a small field trial. If the product improves crop performance or reduces input needs under local conditions, it can then be considered for wider use.