Biofertilizers: Can Beneficial Microbes Help Farmers Reduce Fertiliser Dependence?

Farmers need nutrients to maintain crop growth, but repeated and unbalanced fertiliser use can increase costs and affect soil health. Biofertilizers offer another option. They contain beneficial microorganisms that can improve nutrient availability and help crops use nutrients more effectively.

ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms recently promoted microbial biofertilizers during Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 in Mau, Uttar Pradesh. Scientists highlighted soil testing, balanced nutrient management and microbial technologies as part of sustainable crop production.

Biofertilizers contain living microorganisms that can help make nutrients more available to plants. Different products contain different microorganisms and perform different functions. Farmers should therefore select a product according to the crop, soil condition and nutrient requirement rather than assuming every biofertilizer works in the same way.

ICAR-NBAIM distributed Bio-Phos and Bio-Zinc during its Mau programme. Bio-Phos contains phosphate-solubilising microorganisms, while Bio-Zinc contains zinc-solubilising microorganisms. Scientists demonstrated their recommended application methods and explained how these microbes can support nutrient uptake and plant growth.

Biofertilizers are not simply substitutes for all chemical fertilisers. Their role depends on the nutrient already present in the soil, crop requirements and the performance of the particular microbial product. Farmers should use them as part of a balanced nutrient-management programme.

The quality of the product also matters. Biofertilizers contain living organisms, so storage conditions, expiry dates and application methods can affect their performance. Farmers should purchase products from reliable sources and follow the manufacturer’s or agricultural expert’s instructions.

Can They Reduce Fertiliser Use?

Biofertilizers can improve nutrient availability, but farmers should not immediately stop recommended fertiliser applications. ICAR scientists have stressed balanced nutrient management and soil testing alongside microbial technologies. The objective is better nutrient use, not simply replacing one input with another.

Soil testing is the first step. It can show which nutrients are already available and where deficiencies may exist. Farmers can then combine soil-test-based fertiliser recommendations with suitable organic amendments and biofertilizers according to crop requirements.

ICAR has also promoted integrated nutrient management through its Khet Bachao Abhiyan. The approach includes organic manures, compost, vermicompost, green manures and biofertilizers along with balanced fertilisation. This allows farmers to use different nutrient sources rather than depending on one input.

Farmers should keep records of fertiliser purchases and crop yields after introducing a biofertilizer. This can help determine whether the product is providing a useful economic benefit. Results can vary because soil type, weather, crop and microbial activity differ between farms.

Which Nutrients Can Microbes Help With?

Different microbial products target different nutrients. Phosphate-solubilising microorganisms can help make certain forms of soil phosphorus more available to plants. Zinc-solubilising microorganisms are intended to improve zinc availability. Other microbial products may support nitrogen fixation or other nutrient processes.

Farmers should therefore read the label carefully before purchasing a product. The microorganism, crop recommendation, application method, storage requirement and expiry date should be clearly checked before use.

Biofertilizers may be applied through seed treatment, soil application or other recommended methods, depending on the product. Farmers should not assume that a product designed for one application method can be used in another way without technical guidance.

ICAR’s Mau programme involved 80 farmers, including 50 women, and included demonstrations of microbial biofertilizer application. The programme aimed to make farmers more familiar with microbial technologies and their role in soil health and nutrient management.

Biofertilizers And Natural Farming

Microbial inputs are also relevant to natural and organic farming systems. The National Mission on Natural Farming promotes chemical-free farming approaches that use livestock-based inputs, diversified cropping systems and ecological processes to improve soil health and reduce dependence on purchased inputs.

The government reported in July 2026 that the National Mission on Natural Farming had been approved with an outlay of ₹2,481 crore. The mission aims to bring 7.5 lakh hectares under natural farming and benefit one crore farmers.

But biofertilizer use does not automatically make a farm organic or natural. Farmers following certified organic standards need to use inputs that meet the applicable standards. They should also follow the requirements of the certification system used for their produce.

Biofertilizers can fit into a wider soil-health strategy that includes crop rotation, organic manures, green manuring and balanced fertilisation. Farmers should focus on the complete nutrient-management system rather than expecting one microbial product to solve soil fertility problems.

Healthy soils can help farmers manage nutrients and water more effectively, although biofertilizers cannot prevent crop losses from drought, floods or extreme temperatures. Their potential value is as one component of a broader approach to maintaining productive and biologically active soils.

ICAR-NBAIM linked microbial technologies with soil health and climate resilience during its 2026 farmer programme. Scientists encouraged farmers to combine microbial inputs with regular soil testing and balanced nutrient management rather than using them without a clear nutrient plan.

Farmers can also combine soil-health practices with water-saving irrigation and crop diversification. Such measures can reduce dependence on a single input or production practice and help farms respond better to changing weather conditions.

The practical starting point is simple: test the soil, identify the nutrient requirement, select a suitable microbial product and follow its recommended application method. Farmers should also compare input costs and crop performance before expanding its use across the entire farm.

What Farmers Should Check Before Buying

Farmers should check the product name, microorganism, nutrient function, expiry date, storage instructions and recommended crop before purchasing a biofertilizer. They should also avoid products that do not provide clear information about their contents or application method.

A biofertilizer should not be mixed with every other farm input automatically. Some chemicals or storage conditions may affect microbial viability. Farmers should follow product-specific instructions and seek advice from a KVK or agriculture department when they are unsure.

Biofertilizers can be useful tools for farmers looking to improve nutrient management and soil health. Their value is greatest when they are combined with soil testing, organic matter management and balanced fertilisation.

For farmers, the goal should not be to replace one fertiliser with another without checking the soil. The better approach is to understand what the crop needs, identify which nutrients are available and then use microbial, organic and mineral inputs in a planned way.

As India looks for ways to improve soil health and reduce unnecessary input use, biofertilizers offer one option based on beneficial microorganisms. Their results will depend on product quality, soil conditions, crop choice and correct application. Farmers should therefore test, compare and adopt the technology according to their own field conditions.