Sri Sri Naisargik Introduces ‘Vardaan’ as Organic Alternative to DAP, Contains 14 Microbial Consortia

With farmers preparing for the rabi season, The Art of Living Sri Sri Naisargik has launched Vardaan, an organic bio-fertiliser, as a nature-based option for improving phosphate availability and soil health. The product uses 14 microbial consortia to support phosphate solubilisation and nutrient uptake by crops.

Vardaan is a phosphate-rich organic manure manufactured using cold-pressed technology, which the company says is designed to preserve beneficial microbial activity. Its formulation contains 14 microbial consortia that help convert certain forms of unavailable soil phosphate into forms that plants can absorb.

Phosphate is essential for root development, energy transfer and plant growth. However, a significant portion of applied phosphate can become unavailable to plants through interactions with soil minerals, limiting the efficiency of fertiliser application.

Unlike conventional fertilisers that primarily supply nutrients directly, biological inputs such as Vardaan aim to improve nutrient availability by supporting soil microbial processes. The product is being positioned as an alternative to conventional DAP-centred fertiliser practices, with an emphasis on soil restoration and nutrient-use efficiency.

According to the company, Vardaan is designed for application during soil preparation or early crop growth to support root establishment and plant development. It can be incorporated into nutrient management programmes for cereals, pulses and horticultural crops, subject to crop-specific recommendations.

The company said its use should be guided by soil-test results, crop nutrient requirements and agronomic advice to ensure adequate crop nutrition. Its application as an alternative to DAP would therefore depend on individual soil and crop conditions.

The product is part of Sri Sri Naisargik's broader focus on soil restoration and sustainable agriculture. The initiative comes amid growing attention to declining soil organic carbon, nutrient-use efficiency and rising cultivation costs.

The company advocates an integrated approach combining adequate nutrient supply with beneficial microbial activity and soil health management to support long-term agricultural productivity.