Government Recognises CBG Manure as Fertilizer, Decision will Support Organic Farming Initiatives

In a significant move toward sustainable agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has amended the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order of 1985 to include 'Organic Carbon Enhancers' derived from Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) plants as a recognised category of fertilizers. This amendment is expected to encourage greater use of organic fertilizers, support the expansion of CBG plants, and drive sustainable development across India’s agricultural sector.

The change, notified through S.O. 897(E) on February 17 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, formally integrates nano fertilizers and organic carbon enhancers from CBG plants into the legal definition of fertilizers. Additionally, the government has introduced Schedule VIII in the existing order to outline specific regulations and classifications for these organic soil boosters.

Transforming Agricultural Practices
According to the notification published in the Gazette of India, an 'Organic Carbon Enhancer' from Compressed Bio Gas plants refers to any organic material obtained through fermentation, either as a primary product or a byproduct. These organic fertilizers improve soil quality by increasing or maintaining organic carbon levels, thereby benefiting plant growth and soil health.

The amendment is a crucial step in India's broader strategy to reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers while promoting bio-based alternatives that enhance soil organic matter and overall farm productivity. 

Welcoming the decision, Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE) said, “by promoting the widespread use of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) and Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), this initiative will rejuvenate soil health by restoring organic carbon levels, enhance water retention, boost crop yields, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. This move will benefit farmers by ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability while also driving the growth of the CBG sector.”

Mr. Sanjay Ganjoo, Director General, Indian Federation of Green Energy (IFGE), welcomed the decision, stating that "IFGE CBG Producer Forum has been actively engaging with the government to advocate for this critical amendment. We are delighted to see this success, which will empower farmers, promote sustainable soil management, and make the CBG industry viable.”

Reports indicate that many agro-climatic zones across India suffer from depleted organic carbon levels in soil. The newly recognised "Carbon Enhancer" aims to restore soil fertility, improve water retention, and even aid in carbon sequestration- contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has been advocating for state-owned fertilizer marketing firms to manage the distribution of fermented organic manure (FOM), which will directly contribute to the expansion of the biogas industry. Currently, India produces around 1 million metric tonnes of FOM annually. However, with the upcoming biogas projects, this capacity is expected to increase to 7 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTA), potentially fulfilling the fertilizer needs of an entire state like Rajasthan.