Recently, the Government of India has taken a significant step by incorporating seaweed-based biostimulants into the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985. This move aims to ensure the availability of high-quality biostimulants for farmers, marking a notable advancement in agricultural practices.
Understanding Biostimulants
Biostimulants are substances that enhance natural processes in plants, improving their nutrient absorption, efficiency, stress tolerance, and overall quality and yield. By promoting healthier plant growth and resilience, biostimulants play a crucial role in modern agriculture. They are particularly compatible with organic farming practices, which focus on maintaining ecological balance, improving soil health, and reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals.
Government Initiatives for Seaweed Cultivation
To support the use of biostimulants, the Indian government is actively promoting seaweed cultivation through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This initiative aims to boost the production of seaweed, which is a vital source of natural biostimulants.
Promotion of Organic Farming
The Indian government is also advancing organic farming through schemes like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER). These schemes are designed to support farmers by providing comprehensive assistance throughout the organic farming process.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): This scheme is implemented across all states, excluding the North Eastern states. It offers end-to-end support for organic farming, covering everything from production and processing to certification and marketing. The scheme also includes training and capacity-building programs to empower farmers.
- Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Exclusively targeting the North Eastern states, this scheme focuses on developing organic value chains in the region. It provides similar support to farmers, with an emphasis on production, processing, certification, and marketing, as well as post-harvest management.
Training and Capacity Building
Both PKVY and MOVCDNER emphasize the importance of training and capacity building. These programs are integral to equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully implement organic farming practices, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their agricultural activities.
