Boosting Biogas: IBA's Pitch for State-Fertilizer Marketing Integration

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) urges the government to involve state-owned fertilizer marketing companies in distributing fermented organic manure (FOM) to aid the biogas sector. With 97 operational CBG plants producing both biogas and FOM, IBA emphasizes FOM's potential to reduce fertilizer imports and supports organic farming.

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has recommended that the government engage state-owned fertilizer marketing companies to ensure the off-take of fermented organic manure (FOM), a by-product of biogas plants, to bolster the industry.

Speaking to PTI, IBA Chairman Gaurav Kedia highlighted that the current production of FOM in India stands at 1 million metric tonnes per year, with a potential increase to 7 million metric tonnes given the expansion of 570 plants, potentially fulfilling the fertilizer needs of a state like Rajasthan.

Kedia underscored the need for fertilizer marketing companies such as IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and NFL to support the co-marketing of FOM alongside chemical fertilizers through their extensive dealer networks. He emphasized that state and district government bodies should organize awareness and training programs for agricultural personnel and farmers to promote the use of FOM in organic farming.