As we all know, there has been a growing trend of using bio-agents and biofertilizers throughout the world. Biofertilizers are the formulations of either plant-based chemicals or moreover, microbes which can help to enhance the soil fertility by fixing soil nutrients. Generally, the biofertilizers used are talc-based. The problem with it is that its application in the field is not effective. So, there has been a lot of research on finding some more convenient methods to apply the biofertilizers. Eventually, Indian Institute of Spice Research, Kozhikode has developed the biofertilizer technology called Bio-capsule which is sold at Rs. 100 per capsule to the farmers.
Bio-capsule involves encapsulation of the desired microorganisms in a gelatine capsule for its delivery to the crops for the enhanced soil nutrient solubilization, enhanced growth and yield. Microorganisms are immobilized and can be activated by dissolving the capsule in water. The microorganisms which can be applied through bio-capsule are Rhizobium (for Nitrogen fixation), Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB), Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Trichoderma, Burkholderia, Bacillus, Pseudomonas etc. According to the research, 4000 capsules are equivalent to 4000 kg of talc-based formulation of microorganisms where the weight of one capsule is 1 gram. The key attraction of this biofertilizer technology is that capsule can be diluted in 100-200 litres of water for the required quantity of application.
Advantages of the bio-capsules are:
- Precise delivery to the crops
- Maintains high microbial population in the field
- Eco-friendly technology without side-effects
- Easy application
- High shelf life
- Production and storage at room temperature
- Cost-effective
- Does not require sophisticated or controlled facilities for manufacturing
- Low chance of contamination or consortia
- Can be used to deliver all agricultural important microorganisms
Due to these promising features, there has been growing popularity of Bio-capsule among progressive farmers and young entrepreneurs in the states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and the North East States, etc. IISR has sold around 6000 capsules from May to August 2020. The production is currently controlled by two private firms namely Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Karnataka and SRT Agro Science Pvt. Ltd. Durg, Chhattisgarh.
This technology is revolutionary in the domain of bio-agents and bio-fertilizer industry. The area under organic farming in India is 3.67 million ha. Though organic agriculture has been proven eco-friendly and its product gets high market value, there has always been an issue in providing nutrition to the crops without using synthetic fertilizers. Bio-capsule has become the saviour to the farmers who practice organic farming or integrated farming.
One can also expect the emerging start-ups which will be involved in the production of the bio-capsule. Even the big players of the agri-input industry can also get involved in the production and marketing of this innovative technology. However, it will be possible if the potential of this technology is well recognised and its dissemination occurs through proper channel in a positive way.
