13 May 2026 at 04:40 pm IST
India’s sustainable agriculture transition received a fresh push after the Indian Biogas Association (IBA) proposed a mandatory 10% blending target for fermented organic manure (FOM) in fertilizers by 2030. The recommendation was presented during an industry event attended by senior government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The proposal aims to reduce India’s dependence on chemical fertilizers while improving long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability. Fermented organic manure is a by-product generated from compressed biogas (CBG) and biogas plants. According to the IBA, increasing its use in farming could help restore declining soil organic carbon levels and support more eco-friendly farming practices across the country. The association also highlighted the economic benefits of the initiative. A 10% blending mandate could potentially reduce India’s fertilizer import bill by nearly $2 billion annually. This would not only strengthen domestic agricultural resilience but also support India’s broader clean energy and circular economy objectives. To accelerate adoption, the IBA recommended integrating fermented organic manure into major government agriculture programs such as the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, Soil Health Card Scheme, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The industry body also welcomed the recent inclusion of FOM under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) 2025, calling it an important regulatory step toward mainstream acceptance. The proposal further supports the growth of India’s biogas and compressed biogas ecosystem by creating a stronger commercial market for organic by-products generated from renewable energy projects. Experts believe this could encourage more investments in bioenergy infrastructure while helping farmers access sustainable and cost-effective nutrient alternatives. Overall, the development is being viewed as a positive step toward cleaner agriculture, reduced chemical dependency, improved soil productivity, and stronger alignment with India’s climate and sustainability commitments.
