1

Model Scheme for Establishment OF BIOFERTILISER UNITS

1. Introduction
1.1 Sustainable crop production depends much on good soil
health. Soil health maintenance warrants optimum combination of
organic and inorganic components of the soil. Repeated use of
chemical fertilizers destroys soil biota. In nature, there are a
number of useful soil micro organisms which can help plants to
get nutrients. Their utility can be enhanced with human
intervention by selecting efficient organisms, culturing them and
adding them to soils directly or through seeds. The cultured micro
organisms beneficial for crop growth and soil fertility, packed in
some carrier material for easy application in the field are called
bio-fertilisers.
1.2 Bio-fertilisers are microbial inoculants consisting of living cells
of microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi alone or in
combination which may help in increasing the crop productivity
by way of helping in the biological nitrogen fixation, solubilisation
of insoluble fertiliser materials, stimulating plant growth or in
decomposition of plant residues. By systematic research, efficient
strains are identified to suit to given soil and climatic conditions.
Such strains have to be mass multiplied in laboratory and
distributed to farmers. They are packed in carrier materials like
peat, lignite powder etc. in such a way that they will have
sufficient shelf life. Currently, the liquid biofertilisers are also

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available in the market. The list of commonly produced bio-
fertilizers in our country is given in Annexure1.
2. Major advantages of Biofertilisers
2.1 Biofertilisers enhance the nutrient availability to crop plants
(by processes like fixing atmospheric nitrogen or dissolving
insoluble phosphorous present in the soil) ; and also impart
better health to plants and soil thereby enhancing crop yields in a
moderate way. It is natural and pollution free and eco friendly
method. In the vast areas of low input agriculture, these products
will be of much use to give sustainability to production. In view of
the priority for the promotion of organic farming and reduction of
chemical residues in the environment, special focus has to be
given for the production of biofertilisers.
3. Commercial prospects
3.1 The biofertilisers are mainly prepared / purchased by State
Agriculture Departments and distributed to the farmers at
concessional rates. About 200 to 500 grams of carrier material is
only needed per acre, costing about Rs.10/- to 25/-. In view of
the above, if the units are selected carefully, there can be
assured business. The benefits usually obtained by the use of
biofertilizers will not be as visible as that of chemical fertilizers.
As the results are not dramatic, many farmers are not aware of
the significance, excepting in States like Maharashtra, Gujarat,

3

parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, these are more commonly
used with Government's support. In the context of increasing
awareness about the use of natural products and organic
agriculture, these products will have good scope. Further, the
organically grown produces fetch higher prices both in domestic
and export markets.
3.2 It is estimated that the production of biofertilisers in the
country by the existing units is about 10,500 TPA out of the
installed capacity of 18,632 TPA as on 2003 - 04. This is far below
the potential requirement of 7.6 lakh TPA by the year 2000-01 as
estimated by the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF)
Ghaziabad. So far, the Ministry of Agriculture has supported
establishment of 85 biofertiliser units in different parts of the
country.
Estimated potential Demand for Biofertilisers by 2000-
2001
Type of Biofertiliser Demand
(Tonnes)
Rhizobium
Azotobacter
Azospirillum
34,999
145,953
74,342
251,738

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Blue green Algae
Phosphate solublising microorganism
255,340
Total 762,372
3.3 This estimated demand of NCOF is based on the cultivated
area of the country and treatment of the total seed sown at the
rate of 200g biofertiliser per 10 kg of seed. Although this
assumption reflects only the macro level requirement, even if
50% of the cultivated area is to be brought under biofertiliser
application, there will be a wide gap between the actual
production and the requirement. The current trends indicate that
there is a steady increase in the demand in the Southern States,
Western States and in the States of Madhya Pradesh and
Rajasthan.
4. Biofertiliser Technology
The technology used were indigenous and the scientific aspects of
production are standardised by Agricultural Universities and
Research Laboratories of GOI. Machinery and laboratory
equipments are available from various manufacturers and some
are of BIS standards. The details of technology are given in the
Annexure 2.
5. Objective of Biofertiliser Project

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The primary objective of biofertiliser projects could be production
of various strains of good quality biofertilisers using most modern
technology. The infrastructure and laboratory facilities created,
however, can be utilised for the production of bio - pesticides and
bio control agents. Multi product range will increase the viability.
6. Requirements of Biofertiliser Projects
In line with the technology and objective of biofertiliser
production, various facilities are required for the successful
implementation of such projects which are indicated below:
6.1 Land
It is required to set up laboratory and other facilities and office.
Space may also be required for installing tube well / dug well and
parking of vehicles. A minimum of 0.5 acre of land is required for
setting up a 150 TPA unit. Preferably, the entire site should be
fenced with barbed wire or compound wall with gates at suitable
places. The boundary may be planted with thick and tall growing
species like Asoka, to filter air and reduce dust.
6.2 Layout and buildings
The civil works comprise of factory building for laboratory, Carrier
preparation and enrichment, sterilisation, Inoculation and quality
control, maturation of culture, mixing and packing, storage/ staff
etc,. The total covered area of about 3000 sq ft is required for the

6

product manufacturing and other utilities. Rest of the area of land
will be enough for future expansion up to 300 to 600 Tonnes per
Annum.

6.3 Plant and Machinery
Manufacture of biofertilisers needs a good number of laboratory
equipments as well as other production facilities such as
fermentors, culture medium tank, fermentor assembly,
autoclaves, boiler, broth dispensers for sterlisation,
demineralising plant, air compressor etc,. The section wise
equipment required, their specifications, quantity required and
average cost are indicated in Annexure 4. All the machinery are

7

manufactured in the country. Some of the suppliers undertake
the installing the units on a turn key basis.
6.4 Manufacturing process and Source of technology
The mother culture of various strains of biofertiliser are supplied
from Agricultural Universities, Research Institutes and National /
Regional Biofertiliser Development Centres (MOA). The operations
involved in the manufacturing process are given in the form of a
flow diagram (Fig 1 A&1B). The unit generally comprises of
media preparation room, media store room, inoculation room,
growth room, culture transfer room, sterilization, mixing and
packing, etc. The floor plan should be designed to promote
maximum efficiency and minimum contamination. The design
should facilitate maintenance of optimum temperature, humidity
and ventilation. Inside air of the unit should be free from dust
particles.

8


6.5 Infrastructural Facilities for raw material, carrier material and
utilities
The raw material required for biofertilser production include
ingredients for growth medium for the production of broth,
carrier, packing materials like polythene packets. corrugated
boxes, etc,.

9

Utilities :-
I) Power
Normally a three phase electric supply is required for these
plants. The normal requirement of a 150 TPA unit is about 70
KVA. Depending upon the position of power supply, standby
generator may be needed.
Ii) Water
A Biofertiliser production unit requires water mainly for steam
generation for sterlisation of carrier, broth preparation and
cleaning of equipments. Accordingly well/ bore well of designed
size and according to the quality of water demineralisation
equipments are to be installed. The average per day requirement
of water for 150 TPA capacity will be about 2500 to 3000 litres.
Iii) Compressed air
It will be required for various pneumatic operations as well as for
controlled air supply to fermenters, sterlisation / cleaning
operations etc,.
Iv) Vehicles
The vehicles are required for procurement of carrier material and
distribution of biofertilisers as well as for office use . Accordingly,
one LCV and a jeep have been included in the project.

10

6.6 Manpower
For a unit manufacturing 150 TPA biofertilisers the requirements
of manpower is as under :
1 Chief Biologist / Micro Biologist
1 Sales Officer
1-2 Accountant and clerical Assistant
2 Drivers
1 Floor Supervisor / Production Supervisor
1-2 Technical Staff ( boiler operation where boiling operation is
required, mechanical maintenance, packing machine operations,
electrical maintenance)
2-3 Skilled labourers
3-4 Semi- skilled labourers, depending upon the volume of
production
7. Unit Size
The size of a biofertiliser unit could be expressed in terms of the
capacity of production of various types/ strains of biofertilisers
per annum. The projects so far set up in our county vary from 10
TPA to 475 TPA. The size envisaged in the present model is 150

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TPA in one shift. The capacity can be easily expanded by adding a
few additional equipment like a fermenter and/ or adding another
shift.
8. Environmental aspects and Pollution Control
No hazardous effluents are generated from a biofertiliser unit.
9. Business Prospects, Marketing and Selling
Arrangements
9.1 Considering the importance for organic farming and
promotion of sustainable farming practices it is estimated that
there will be further scope for adding new units, particularly in
the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madya Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The biofertiliser products are picking
up mainly in cultivation of sugarcane, pulses, cereals and
plantation crops. Since these crops are grown in vast areas, no
problem in marketing is foreseen. The units should establish
market channels with such niche sectors. They can also have tie
up arrangement with government programmes like IPP, NODP
etc,.
9.2 When a new entrepreneur intends to setup a project, a
detailed market survey report is to be prepared. The report may
be prepared keeping in view the following aspects. may have to
be kept in view:-

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1. the present and future demand - Cropping pattern in the
area, supply for various products, gap in supply and
expected demand for various products.
2. the major competitors and their present share.
3. the projections of the unit for the next 3-5 years and the
basis for projection.
4. the product wise quantities and places where it is to be
marketed.
5. the market for the product and type of arrangements for
distribution and sales, commission and additional incentive
to be given, the proposed net work and the advertisement
plans.
10. Capital cost of the project
10.1 Broadly, the capital cost includes the cost of land ,
development of land , fencing, civil works (plant building, office,
godown etc,.) plant and machinery, preliminary and preoperative
expenses etc,. Capital cost of a model biofertiliser unit with a
capacity of 150 TPA will be Rs. 91.028 lakhs. The project cost
comprises of Rs 4.300 lakhs on land and land development , Rs.
18.135 lakhs on civil structures, Rs. 35.950 lakhs on plant and
machinery , Rs. 22.400 lakhs on account of misc. fixed assets
(including Rs.9.00 lakh for vehicles), Rs.3.500 lakhs on
preliminary and preoperative expenses, Rs.2.000 lakhs of
contingency and Rs 0.648 lakhs towards margin money for

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working capital. The details of project cost are furnished in
Annexure 4.
10.2 Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and
Cooperation, Government of India has launched a "National
Project on Organic Farming" for the production, promotion &
market development of organic farming in the country through
National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad and its six
Regional Offices located in Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Hissar,
Imphal, Jabalpur & Nagpur. One of the important components
include providing financial assistance by means of bank loan and
subsidy for setting up commercial biofertiliser production units.
The credit linked back ended subsidy @ 25% of the total cost
subject to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh per unit shall be released
through NABARD for setting up biofertiliser production units.
11. ECONOMICS OF THE PROJECT
Based on the various techno-economic parameters, the
economics of the project have been worked out for the project
period or till the repayment of bank loan. The items of income
includes sale of biofertilisers. While the expenditure includes the
cost of raw material, transportation and commission, power, fuel
packing distribution, wages and salary, repairs and maintenance,
insurance, advertisement and other overheads. The income as
well as expenditure for each year are worked out and subjected

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to cash flow analysis. For the model 150 TPA the relevant techno-
economic parameters are furnished in Annexure 3. The Income
and Expenditure statement is furnished in Annexure 5. The
calculation of working capital requirements is given in Annexure
6. The depreciation schedules on straight line method and written
down value are worked out and furnished in Annexure 7. The
economics have been worked out with out the subsidy
component. With subsidy, the bankability of the project will be
better.
12. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
The cash flow statement covering the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR),
Net Present Worth (NPW) and Internal rate of return (IRR) have
been worked out for the project. Normally the BCR should be
greater than 1, NPW should be positive and IRR should be greater
than 15%. For the model project under consideration, the BCR is
1.193 , NPW is Rs. 37.382 lakhs and IRR is more than 15% i.e
26%. Calculation of IRR, BCR and NPW is given in Annexure 8.
The DSCR is 1.59. The repayment schedule is given in Annexure
9.
Financial
Indicator
Estimated Requirements
IRR 26% 15%

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BCR 1.193 should be > 1.000
DSCR 1.590 should be > 1.500
As all the financial indicators meet the requirement, the
biofertiliser production unit will be viable as well as bankable.
13. CHECK LIST
A check list of various points to be considered for feasibility of the
project is appended in Annexure 10.
* * * * *
Annexure 1 : LIST OF COMMONLY PRODUCED
BIOFERTILIZERS
SR.NO. NAME OF
BIOFERTILIZER
FUNCTION /
CONTRIBUTION
LIMITATION BENEFICIARIES
(Crops)
A. NITROGEN BIOFERTILIZERS :
1 RHIZOBIUM
(symbiotic)
1. Fixes 50-100
kg N / ha
2. Increase
yield from
10-35%
3. Leaves
Fixation only
with legumes.
Visible effect
not reflected
in traditional
area. Need
Pulse legumes,
Oilseed legumes,
Fodder legumes,
Forest legumes

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residual
nitrogen
optimum P &
Mo. Demands
bright
sunlight.
Great
demand for
phosphorus.
2 AZOTOBACTER
(non-symbiotic)
1. Fixation of
20-25 kg N /
ha
2. 10-15%
increase in
yield
3. Production
of growth
promoting
substances
Demands
high organic
matter.
Wheat, maize,
cotton, sorghum,
sugarcane, pear
millet, rice,
vegetables and
several other
crops
3 AZOSPIRILLUM
(associative)
1. Fixation of
20-25 kg N /
ha
2. 10-15%
increase in
yield
Demands
high organic
matter
Wheat, maize,
cotton, sorghum,
sugarcane, pear
millet, rice,
vegetables and
several other

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3. Production
of growth
promoting
substances
crops
4 BLUE GREEN
ALGAE (BGA)
(phototropic)
1. Fixation of
20-30 kg N /
ha
2. 10-15%
increase in
yield
3. Production
of growth
promoting
substances
Effective only
in submerged
rice. Demand
bright
sunlight.
Flooded rice.
5 AZOLLA
(symbiotic)
1. Fixation of
30 - 100 kg
N / ha
2. Yield
increase 10-
25%
Survival
difficult at
high
temperature.
Great
demand for
phosphorus.
Only for flooded
rice.
B PHOSPHORUS BIOFERTILIZERS

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1 Phosphate
solubilizing
microorganisms
(Bacteria/fungi)
1. Solubilizes
insoluble
Phosphates.
2. Yield
increase 10-
20%
Bacteria can
be used in
neutral to
alkaline soils
and fungi can
function
better in
acidic soil.
All types of
crops.
2 VAM
(obligate
symbionts)
1. Enhance
uptake of P,
Zn, S Fe, Cu
and water
2. Promotes
uniform
crop,
increase
growth and
yield
Can be
maintained
only on
growing
plants.
Forest trees
Source :
a) Biofertilizer Technology, Marketing and Usage, A Source Book-
cum-Glossary by Dr. M.R. Motsara, Dr.P. Bhattacharayya and
Dr.Beena Srivastava 1995.

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b) Biofertilizers for enhancing crop productivity and
environmental security - Panwar et al 2001.
Annexure 2
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF BIO-FERTILISERS
1. What are Bio-fertilizers
Bio-fertilizers, in strict sense, are not fertilizers which directly
give nutrition to crop plants. These are cultures of micro
organisms like bacteria, fungi, packed in a carrier material or
liquid form which help the plants indirectly to get nutrients
through biological Nitrogen (N) fixation or phosphorous
solubilisation etc.
2. Mode of Action
The mode of action depends on the species of the organism.
Some agents like Rhizobium cultures enhance N fixation in
legumes by imparting effective nodulation as they are symbiotic
bacteria living in association with leguminous plants.
There are free living bacteria like Azotobacter when applied to
soil, enhance the N availability. Similarly, Azospirillum is good N
fixer nad used for C-4 plants ( maize, millet etc. ). There are
certain other organisms which act on the soil minerals and
dissolve the native nutrients like P which is otherwise not readily

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soluble. The most commonly produced and marketed biofertilizers
are the following:
1. Rhizobium - strains depending upon the legumes as they are
host specific.
2. Azotobacter
3. Azospirillum
4. Phosphate Solubulizing Bacteria like Bacillus sp,
Pseudomonas sp.
5. Blue Green Algae and Azolla - on-farm level.
6. VAM - in a limited way.
3. Critical factors responsible for effectiveness
The critical factors which are responsible for the effectiveness of a
particular bio-fertilizer are as follows :
Suitability of the species to the target crop
Suitability of the strain : There are specific strains of
Rhizobium for different leguminous species like Cowpea,
Redgram, Soybean, Alfalfa etc. Biofertilizer of specific
culture should be used for specific crop.
Identification of strains as suited to the agro-eco system,
particularly the soil p
H
and moisture conditions. Through
research, specific strains as suited to a particular soil and
environmental conditions are usually identified and pure
mother cultures are maintained in research labs for supply

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to the commercial manufacturers, e.g. Germ plasm of
Rhizobium cultures is maintained at IARI, New Delhi.
The aseptic conditions of manufacturing, the cell count of
living organism present in the carrier material, purity and
level of contamination.
The conditions of carrier material in which the culture is
packed and the quality of the packing material, which
determine the shelf life.
The conditions in which the packed materials are stored,
distributed and kept with the farmers before it is applied.
Soil conditions particularly p
H
, organic matter content and
moisture level; and agronomic practices.
4. Level of Benefits
The benefits usually obtained will not be as visible as that of
chemical fertilizers except in some critical conditions. Biofertilisers
can add nitrogen from 20 kg/ha to 200 kg/ha depending upon the
optimum conditions. Pastures and forages respond more than
grain crops. The yield increases usually range around 10-35%.
However, in the vast areas of low input agriculture and in the
context of imparting sustainability to crop production at reduced
chemical pollution, this product will be of much use. Rhizobium
culture treatment becomes essential when new types of legumes
like soybeans are introduced in new areas. On the other hand,
the application of PSB helps plant to get phosphorous as its

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nutrient. The range of benefits usually seen for different
organisms is also given in Annexure 1.
5. Other benefits
Application of biofertilisers should not be viewed from the angle
of nutrient supply to the crops alone. They add life to the soil
rendered sterile by the excess use of chemicals, etc. Some of
them possess growth promoting substances and also reduce the
incidence of certain diseases. These organisms also add organic
matter in the soil which is urgent for maintaining soil fertility.
These inputs are crucial if some one would like to take up organic
farming.
6. The Outlines of Commercial Manufacture of Bio-
fertilizers :
The manufacturing process in short involves
1. Selection of suitable strain of the organism for which market
demand is identified.
2. Mass multiplication.
3. Mixing of the culture with carrier material and packing. (
Recently liquid biofertiliser is also getting popularity. But this
method still needs to be standardised & BIS specification for
liquid biofertiliser is essential).
The steps involved are as follows :

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6.1 Culture selection and maintenance:
The pure mother cultures of various strains are being maintained
in Agricultural Universities, IARI, some ICAR institutions, National
/ Regional biofertilizer labs of MOA, etc. There are international
sources of supply also like NifTAL, IRRI etc. The mother culture in
test tubes of desired strain can be purchased from the identified
sources. They have to be further sub-cultured and maintained
purely for mass production by adopting standard techniques
under the supervision of trained microbiologist.
6.2 Culture augmentation:
In the next stage the culture has to be mass multiplied in two
levels namely (i) at primary level using shakers in flasks and (ii)
Secondary stage multiplication in fermenters. The important
factor in this is the preparation of growing medium in which the
culture is mass multiplied. There are standard media on which
information is available from published sources like Norris & date,
Fred et al, ISI approved etc. in case of Rhizobium. Similarly
composition for growth media are available for other cultures.
After the media is formulated and sterilized in fermenter, it is
inoculated using the shorter cultures multiplied in the flasks at
definite ratios usually 1-5%. The bacteria growing medium is
called broth and it is continuously aerated by passing sterile air
from compressors. After about 3-4 days fermentation period, the

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broth will be ready for packing in a carrier material. At various
stages the quality is tested by drawing samples.
6.3 Carrier sterilization:
While the broth is getting ready in the fermenter the carrier
material, which will contain microbes to survive, is sterilized in
autoclaves and kept ready for mixing the broth. Peat imported
from countries like U.S., Australia is reported to be the best
source of carrier material. However, lignite or charcoal is used
extensively in India. The carrier is either sterilized in bulk or it is
packed and then the packets are sterilized. However the system
will depend on the specific methodology which has been
standardised.
6.4 Mixing and packing:
There are 2-3 alternatives depends upon the sophistication and
automation of the unit.
1. Under non sterile system, the broth is harvested from the
fermenter into sterilized carrier - the mixing is done
manually under aseptic condition and packed in polythene
bags of desired quantity.
2. In a slightly upgraded method, the broth and sterilized
carrier are mixed mechanically in a blender and the material
is packed using semiautomatic packing and sealing machine.

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In a slightly modified method some units are packing by
delivering desired quantities of carrier and broth
simultaneously from separate pipe conveyance system in to
the polythene bags.
3. Under a completely sterile system the carrier is taken in
autoclavable polypropylene bags and pre sealed - into which
the broth from fermenter is directly injected with the help of
dispenser. The injection hole is immediately sealed. The
packets are kept in incubation room for about a week before
transferring to store room.
Sterile system of packing using auto syringe and dispenser is
recommended to be the best method and all new units should
follow and adopt this system.
6.5 Equipment needed:
The main equipment needed for manufacture and lab are listed
below. They are available through scientific and lab equipment
suppliers.
List of equipment
Name Approximate Purpose
quantity needed

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1. Boiler/steam generator 1 big or 2 small To generate steam for
sterilization (where ever required)
2. Autoclaves - Horizontal 1 For carrier sterilization
Vertical 2-4 For sterilising smaller quantities of culture media and
small containers.
3. Rotary shakers 1-2 For growth of culture ( small scale)
4. Fermenters 2 For growth of culture ( large scale)
(300 lit capacity)
5. Laminar air flow -
work station of 6' size 1-2 For inoculation purposes
6. BOD incubator 1 For incubation
7. Hot air oven 2 For dry glassware
8. Air conditioner 2-3
9. Refrigerator 1-2
10. Microscope 1
11. Balances 2-3
12. Dispensers or

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Semi automatic mixing 2 sets with automatic injection systems
when needed.
13. Sealing machine 1
14. Lab equipments: For quality control and microbial works
pH meter 1
Colony counter 1
Microscope 1
Fridge 1
15. Glassware As needed. Conical flasks are the major
requirement
16. Distiller water unit or 1 set
Demineralization unit
17. Office furniture As needed
6.6 Layout of the production unit:
The biofertilizer plant should be housed in a suitable building
complex. The main production unit should have separate
channels for bacteriological work, carrier making and mixing and
customer and visitor/marketing way. In addition there should be
rooms with separate entrance for utilities like power, steam

28

generator and stores. Appropriate design can be adopted in
consultation with architects /engineers/scientists.
6.7 Raw material:
The chief raw materials needed for the production of biofertilizers
are as follows:
Mother cultures
Carrier material - lignite or bentonite or peat or charcoal or
other materials of desired quality in powder form (70-100
mesh) etc. as suggested by BIS.
Polythene bags, HDPE bags, cardboard cartons
Growth materials - include Mannitol, sucrose, glucose, yeast
extract, malic acid, calcium phosphate and other chemicals
as per requirement.
6.8 Others:
In addition to the equipment given in para 6.5, the unit may also
require 2 transport vehicles. ( 1 LCV and 1 Jeep)
6.9 Quality Control:
Though there are BIS standards for four species viz. Rhizobium
(IS:8268-2001) and Azotobacter (IS:9138-2002), Azospirillum
(IS:14806:2000), PSB (IS:14807:2000), there is no systematic
quality certification system and monitoring mechanism. It is

29

entirely an internal arrangement and voluntary system as of now.
As the products being living microorganisms, the quality check
up, certification batch-wise even if it is internal is highly essential.
Each unit should have lab infrastructure and plans/arrangements
for the same. Each unit, therefore should have the following
facilities :
adequate microbiological lab and qualified microbiologist.
Sampling and testing at various stages of production,
including the quality of raw materials.
Specify on the packets all the contents and cell counts. The
source of mother culture and the strain name should also be
mentioned.
The unit should fix their quality certificate and batch
number, pack the products in proper packing material.
Store the products in cooler places till they are sold to
farmers.
Ensure to have aseptic conditions, cleanliness and
contamination free production lines and housing.
Preferably use automatic and closed systems.
As per BIS specifications, certain tests are required to be
conducted, like number of cells, colony character, reaction etc.
Cell number at the time of manufacture should not be less than
10
7
per gram of carrier material, for all biofertilisers. Similarly,

30

the number of cell count and permissible contamination at expiry
dates are also specified.
As certification arrangements are not in place at present,
legislation for quality monitoring and accredited labs for testing
may be needed in future to ensure proper quality and promote
this products. Even there is a need of BIS specification for liquid
culture which is available in the market.
6.10 Limitations and constraints
The major limiting factors include:
Narrow genetic base of mother cultures and lack of efficient
and virulent strains suitable to various agro-environments.
Unsatisfactory carrier material in respect of uniformity and
good quality against imported peat material.
High contamination in broth mixing and packing stages, not
using completely closed system of production.
Unsatisfactory packing material which reduces shelf life.
Unsatisfactory storing conditions, particularly during the
distribution period. Exposure to high temperatures and
sunlight destroy the microbial culture. They should be
preferably kept in cold storage conditions.
Not employing properly trained microbiologist.
Lack of quality controls and certification procedures.
Lack of awareness among farmers for its proper application.

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At field level: The efficiency when applied to soils is limited by
several factors; most important of them being., drought and high
summer temperature, water logging, unfavourable soil p
H
,
antagonism from other organisms and nutrient deficiency. There
is an acute awareness gap among the farmers on the subject.
References
1. Biofertilizer - Technology, Marketing and usage, a source
book-cum-Glossary by Dr. M R Motsara, Dr.P.Bhattacharya &
Dr.Beena Srivastava (1995) - Fertilizer Development and
Consultation Organization publishers, New Delhi 110048
(India)
2. ISI standard IS: 9138-2002 (Specifications for Azotobacter)
3. ISI Standard IS: 8268-2001 (Specifications for Rhizobium)
4. ISI standard IS: 14806-2000 (Specifications for
Azospirillum)
5. ISI Standard IS: 14807-2000 (Specifications for PSB)
6. Biofertilizers in Agriculture and Forestry by N S Subba Rao,
Oxford & IBH, New Delhi.
Other Annexures (Click the highlighted text given below to open
the respective Annexures)
Annexure III , Annexure IV, Annexure V, Annexure VI,
Annexure VI I , Annexure VIII , Annexure IX , Annexure X