1

Model Scheme for Establishment OF BIOFERTILISER UNITS

1. Introduction

1.1 Sustainable crop production depends much on good soil

health. Soil health maintenance warrants optimum combination of

organic and inorganic components of the soil. Repeated use of

chemical fertilizers destroys soil biota. In nature, there are a

number of useful soil micro organisms which can help plants to

get nutrients. Their utility can be enhanced with human

intervention by selecting efficient organisms, culturing them and

adding them to soils directly or through seeds. The cultured micro

organisms beneficial for crop growth and soil fertility, packed in

some carrier material for easy application in the field are called

bio-fertilisers.

1.2 Bio-fertilisers are microbial inoculants consisting of living cells

of microorganisms like bacteria, algae and fungi alone or in

combination which may help in increasing the crop productivity

by way of helping in the biological nitrogen fixation, solubilisation

of insoluble fertiliser materials, stimulating plant growth or in

decomposition of plant residues. By systematic research, efficient

strains are identified to suit to given soil and climatic conditions.

Such strains have to be mass multiplied in laboratory and

distributed to farmers. They are packed in carrier materials like

peat, lignite powder etc. in such a way that they will have

sufficient shelf life. Currently, the liquid biofertilisers are also

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available in the market. The list of commonly produced bio-

fertilizers in our country is given in Annexure1.

2. Major advantages of Biofertilisers

2.1 Biofertilisers enhance the nutrient availability to crop plants

(by processes like fixing atmospheric nitrogen or dissolving

insoluble phosphorous present in the soil) ; and also impart

better health to plants and soil thereby enhancing crop yields in a

moderate way. It is natural and pollution free and eco friendly

method. In the vast areas of low input agriculture, these products

will be of much use to give sustainability to production. In view of

the priority for the promotion of organic farming and reduction of

chemical residues in the environment, special focus has to be

given for the production of biofertilisers.

3. Commercial prospects

3.1 The biofertilisers are mainly prepared / purchased by State

Agriculture Departments and distributed to the farmers at

concessional rates. About 200 to 500 grams of carrier material is

only needed per acre, costing about Rs.10/- to 25/-. In view of

the above, if the units are selected carefully, there can be

assured business. The benefits usually obtained by the use of

biofertilizers will not be as visible as that of chemical fertilizers.

As the results are not dramatic, many farmers are not aware of

the significance, excepting in States like Maharashtra, Gujarat,

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parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, these are more commonly

used with Government's support. In the context of increasing

awareness about the use of natural products and organic

agriculture, these products will have good scope. Further, the

organically grown produces fetch higher prices both in domestic

and export markets.

3.2 It is estimated that the production of biofertilisers in the

country by the existing units is about 10,500 TPA out of the

installed capacity of 18,632 TPA as on 2003 - 04. This is far below

the potential requirement of 7.6 lakh TPA by the year 2000-01 as

estimated by the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF)

Ghaziabad. So far, the Ministry of Agriculture has supported

establishment of 85 biofertiliser units in different parts of the

country.

Estimated potential Demand for Biofertilisers by 2000-

2001

Type of Biofertiliser Demand

(Tonnes)

Rhizobium

Azotobacter

Azospirillum

34,999

145,953

74,342

251,738

4

Blue green Algae

Phosphate solublising microorganism

255,340

Total 762,372

3.3 This estimated demand of NCOF is based on the cultivated

area of the country and treatment of the total seed sown at the

rate of 200g biofertiliser per 10 kg of seed. Although this

assumption reflects only the macro level requirement, even if

50% of the cultivated area is to be brought under biofertiliser

application, there will be a wide gap between the actual

production and the requirement. The current trends indicate that

there is a steady increase in the demand in the Southern States,

Western States and in the States of Madhya Pradesh and

Rajasthan.

4. Biofertiliser Technology

The technology used were indigenous and the scientific aspects of

production are standardised by Agricultural Universities and

Research Laboratories of GOI. Machinery and laboratory

equipments are available from various manufacturers and some

are of BIS standards. The details of technology are given in the

Annexure 2.

5. Objective of Biofertiliser Project

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The primary objective of biofertiliser projects could be production

of various strains of good quality biofertilisers using most modern

technology. The infrastructure and laboratory facilities created,

however, can be utilised for the production of bio - pesticides and

bio control agents. Multi product range will increase the viability.

6. Requirements of Biofertiliser Projects

In line with the technology and objective of biofertiliser

production, various facilities are required for the successful

implementation of such projects which are indicated below:

6.1 Land

It is required to set up laboratory and other facilities and office.

Space may also be required for installing tube well / dug well and

parking of vehicles. A minimum of 0.5 acre of land is required for

setting up a 150 TPA unit. Preferably, the entire site should be

fenced with barbed wire or compound wall with gates at suitable

places. The boundary may be planted with thick and tall growing

species like Asoka, to filter air and reduce dust.

6.2 Layout and buildings

The civil works comprise of factory building for laboratory, Carrier

preparation and enrichment, sterilisation, Inoculation and quality

control, maturation of culture, mixing and packing, storage/ staff

etc,. The total covered area of about 3000 sq ft is required for the

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product manufacturing and other utilities. Rest of the area of land

will be enough for future expansion up to 300 to 600 Tonnes per

Annum.

6.3 Plant and Machinery

Manufacture of biofertilisers needs a good number of laboratory

equipments as well as other production facilities such as

fermentors, culture medium tank, fermentor assembly,

autoclaves, boiler, broth dispensers for sterlisation,

demineralising plant, air compressor etc,. The section wise

equipment required, their specifications, quantity required and

average cost are indicated in Annexure 4. All the machinery are

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manufactured in the country. Some of the suppliers undertake

the installing the units on a turn key basis.

6.4 Manufacturing process and Source of technology

The mother culture of various strains of biofertiliser are supplied

from Agricultural Universities, Research Institutes and National /

Regional Biofertiliser Development Centres (MOA). The operations

involved in the manufacturing process are given in the form of a

flow diagram (Fig 1 A&1B). The unit generally comprises of

media preparation room, media store room, inoculation room,

growth room, culture transfer room, sterilization, mixing and

packing, etc. The floor plan should be designed to promote

maximum efficiency and minimum contamination. The design

should facilitate maintenance of optimum temperature, humidity

and ventilation. Inside air of the unit should be free from dust

particles.

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6.5 Infrastructural Facilities for raw material, carrier material and

utilities

The raw material required for biofertilser production include

ingredients for growth medium for the production of broth,

carrier, packing materials like polythene packets. corrugated

boxes, etc,.

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Utilities :-

I) Power

Normally a three phase electric supply is required for these

plants. The normal requirement of a 150 TPA unit is about 70

KVA. Depending upon the position of power supply, standby

generator may be needed.

Ii) Water

A Biofertiliser production unit requires water mainly for steam

generation for sterlisation of carrier, broth preparation and

cleaning of equipments. Accordingly well/ bore well of designed

size and according to the quality of water demineralisation

equipments are to be installed. The average per day requirement

of water for 150 TPA capacity will be about 2500 to 3000 litres.

Iii) Compressed air

It will be required for various pneumatic operations as well as for

controlled air supply to fermenters, sterlisation / cleaning

operations etc,.

Iv) Vehicles

The vehicles are required for procurement of carrier material and

distribution of biofertilisers as well as for office use . Accordingly,

one LCV and a jeep have been included in the project.

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6.6 Manpower

For a unit manufacturing 150 TPA biofertilisers the requirements

of manpower is as under :

1 Chief Biologist / Micro Biologist

1 Sales Officer

1-2 Accountant and clerical Assistant

2 Drivers

1 Floor Supervisor / Production Supervisor

1-2 Technical Staff ( boiler operation where boiling operation is

required, mechanical maintenance, packing machine operations,

electrical maintenance)

2-3 Skilled labourers

3-4 Semi- skilled labourers, depending upon the volume of

production

7. Unit Size

The size of a biofertiliser unit could be expressed in terms of the

capacity of production of various types/ strains of biofertilisers

per annum. The projects so far set up in our county vary from 10

TPA to 475 TPA. The size envisaged in the present model is 150

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TPA in one shift. The capacity can be easily expanded by adding a

few additional equipment like a fermenter and/ or adding another

shift.

8. Environmental aspects and Pollution Control

No hazardous effluents are generated from a biofertiliser unit.

9. Business Prospects, Marketing and Selling

Arrangements

9.1 Considering the importance for organic farming and

promotion of sustainable farming practices it is estimated that

there will be further scope for adding new units, particularly in

the States of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madya Pradesh,

Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The biofertiliser products are picking

up mainly in cultivation of sugarcane, pulses, cereals and

plantation crops. Since these crops are grown in vast areas, no

problem in marketing is foreseen. The units should establish

market channels with such niche sectors. They can also have tie

up arrangement with government programmes like IPP, NODP

etc,.

9.2 When a new entrepreneur intends to setup a project, a

detailed market survey report is to be prepared. The report may

be prepared keeping in view the following aspects. may have to

be kept in view:-

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1. the present and future demand - Cropping pattern in the

area, supply for various products, gap in supply and

expected demand for various products.

2. the major competitors and their present share.

3. the projections of the unit for the next 3-5 years and the

basis for projection.

4. the product wise quantities and places where it is to be

marketed.

5. the market for the product and type of arrangements for

distribution and sales, commission and additional incentive

to be given, the proposed net work and the advertisement

plans.

10. Capital cost of the project

10.1 Broadly, the capital cost includes the cost of land ,

development of land , fencing, civil works (plant building, office,

godown etc,.) plant and machinery, preliminary and preoperative

expenses etc,. Capital cost of a model biofertiliser unit with a

capacity of 150 TPA will be Rs. 91.028 lakhs. The project cost

comprises of Rs 4.300 lakhs on land and land development , Rs.

18.135 lakhs on civil structures, Rs. 35.950 lakhs on plant and

machinery , Rs. 22.400 lakhs on account of misc. fixed assets

(including Rs.9.00 lakh for vehicles), Rs.3.500 lakhs on

preliminary and preoperative expenses, Rs.2.000 lakhs of

contingency and Rs 0.648 lakhs towards margin money for

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working capital. The details of project cost are furnished in

Annexure 4.

10.2 Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and

Cooperation, Government of India has launched a "National

Project on Organic Farming" for the production, promotion &

market development of organic farming in the country through

National Centre of Organic Farming, Ghaziabad and its six

Regional Offices located in Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Hissar,

Imphal, Jabalpur & Nagpur. One of the important components

include providing financial assistance by means of bank loan and

subsidy for setting up commercial biofertiliser production units.

The credit linked back ended subsidy @ 25% of the total cost

subject to a maximum of Rs 20 lakh per unit shall be released

through NABARD for setting up biofertiliser production units.

11. ECONOMICS OF THE PROJECT

Based on the various techno-economic parameters, the

economics of the project have been worked out for the project

period or till the repayment of bank loan. The items of income

includes sale of biofertilisers. While the expenditure includes the

cost of raw material, transportation and commission, power, fuel

packing distribution, wages and salary, repairs and maintenance,

insurance, advertisement and other overheads. The income as

well as expenditure for each year are worked out and subjected

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to cash flow analysis. For the model 150 TPA the relevant techno-

economic parameters are furnished in Annexure 3. The Income

and Expenditure statement is furnished in Annexure 5. The

calculation of working capital requirements is given in Annexure

6. The depreciation schedules on straight line method and written

down value are worked out and furnished in Annexure 7. The

economics have been worked out with out the subsidy

component. With subsidy, the bankability of the project will be

better.

12. FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

The cash flow statement covering the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR),

Net Present Worth (NPW) and Internal rate of return (IRR) have

been worked out for the project. Normally the BCR should be

greater than 1, NPW should be positive and IRR should be greater

than 15%. For the model project under consideration, the BCR is

1.193 , NPW is Rs. 37.382 lakhs and IRR is more than 15% i.e

26%. Calculation of IRR, BCR and NPW is given in Annexure 8.

The DSCR is 1.59. The repayment schedule is given in Annexure

9.

Financial

Indicator

Estimated Requirements

IRR 26% 15%

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BCR 1.193 should be > 1.000

DSCR 1.590 should be > 1.500

As all the financial indicators meet the requirement, the

biofertiliser production unit will be viable as well as bankable.

13. CHECK LIST

A check list of various points to be considered for feasibility of the

project is appended in Annexure 10.

* * * * *

Annexure 1 : LIST OF COMMONLY PRODUCED

BIOFERTILIZERS

SR.NO. NAME OF

BIOFERTILIZER

FUNCTION /

CONTRIBUTION

LIMITATION BENEFICIARIES

(Crops)

A. NITROGEN BIOFERTILIZERS :

1 RHIZOBIUM

(symbiotic)

1. Fixes 50-100

kg N / ha

2. Increase

yield from

10-35%

3. Leaves

Fixation only

with legumes.

Visible effect

not reflected

in traditional

area. Need

Pulse legumes,

Oilseed legumes,

Fodder legumes,

Forest legumes

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residual

nitrogen

optimum P &

Mo. Demands

bright

sunlight.

Great

demand for

phosphorus.

2 AZOTOBACTER

(non-symbiotic)

1. Fixation of

20-25 kg N /

ha

2. 10-15%

increase in

yield

3. Production

of growth

promoting

substances

Demands

high organic

matter.

Wheat, maize,

cotton, sorghum,

sugarcane, pear

millet, rice,

vegetables and

several other

crops

3 AZOSPIRILLUM

(associative)

1. Fixation of

20-25 kg N /

ha

2. 10-15%

increase in

yield

Demands

high organic

matter

Wheat, maize,

cotton, sorghum,

sugarcane, pear

millet, rice,

vegetables and

several other

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3. Production

of growth

promoting

substances

crops

4 BLUE GREEN

ALGAE (BGA)

(phototropic)

1. Fixation of

20-30 kg N /

ha

2. 10-15%

increase in

yield

3. Production

of growth

promoting

substances

Effective only

in submerged

rice. Demand

bright

sunlight.

Flooded rice.

5 AZOLLA

(symbiotic)

1. Fixation of

30 - 100 kg

N / ha

2. Yield

increase 10-

25%

Survival

difficult at

high

temperature.

Great

demand for

phosphorus.

Only for flooded

rice.

B PHOSPHORUS BIOFERTILIZERS

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1 Phosphate

solubilizing

microorganisms

(Bacteria/fungi)

1. Solubilizes

insoluble

Phosphates.

2. Yield

increase 10-

20%

Bacteria can

be used in

neutral to

alkaline soils

and fungi can

function

better in

acidic soil.

All types of

crops.

2 VAM

(obligate

symbionts)

1. Enhance

uptake of P,

Zn, S Fe, Cu

and water

2. Promotes

uniform

crop,

increase

growth and

yield

Can be

maintained

only on

growing

plants.

Forest trees

Source :

a) Biofertilizer Technology, Marketing and Usage, A Source Book-

cum-Glossary by Dr. M.R. Motsara, Dr.P. Bhattacharayya and

Dr.Beena Srivastava 1995.

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b) Biofertilizers for enhancing crop productivity and

environmental security - Panwar et al 2001.

Annexure 2

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF BIO-FERTILISERS

1. What are Bio-fertilizers

Bio-fertilizers, in strict sense, are not fertilizers which directly

give nutrition to crop plants. These are cultures of micro

organisms like bacteria, fungi, packed in a carrier material or

liquid form which help the plants indirectly to get nutrients

through biological Nitrogen (N) fixation or phosphorous

solubilisation etc.

2. Mode of Action

The mode of action depends on the species of the organism.

Some agents like Rhizobium cultures enhance N fixation in

legumes by imparting effective nodulation as they are symbiotic

bacteria living in association with leguminous plants.

There are free living bacteria like Azotobacter when applied to

soil, enhance the N availability. Similarly, Azospirillum is good N

fixer nad used for C-4 plants ( maize, millet etc. ). There are

certain other organisms which act on the soil minerals and

dissolve the native nutrients like P which is otherwise not readily

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soluble. The most commonly produced and marketed biofertilizers

are the following:

1. Rhizobium - strains depending upon the legumes as they are

host specific.

2. Azotobacter

3. Azospirillum

4. Phosphate Solubulizing Bacteria like Bacillus sp,

Pseudomonas sp.

5. Blue Green Algae and Azolla - on-farm level.

6. VAM - in a limited way.

3. Critical factors responsible for effectiveness

The critical factors which are responsible for the effectiveness of a

particular bio-fertilizer are as follows :

Suitability of the species to the target crop

Suitability of the strain : There are specific strains of

Rhizobium for different leguminous species like Cowpea,

Redgram, Soybean, Alfalfa etc. Biofertilizer of specific

culture should be used for specific crop.

Identification of strains as suited to the agro-eco system,

particularly the soil pH and moisture conditions. Through

research, specific strains as suited to a particular soil and

environmental conditions are usually identified and pure

mother cultures are maintained in research labs for supply

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to the commercial manufacturers, e.g. Germ plasm of

Rhizobium cultures is maintained at IARI, New Delhi.

The aseptic conditions of manufacturing, the cell count of

living organism present in the carrier material, purity and

level of contamination.

The conditions of carrier material in which the culture is

packed and the quality of the packing material, which

determine the shelf life.

The conditions in which the packed materials are stored,

distributed and kept with the farmers before it is applied.

Soil conditions particularly pH, organic matter content and

moisture level; and agronomic practices.

4. Level of Benefits

The benefits usually obtained will not be as visible as that of

chemical fertilizers except in some critical conditions. Biofertilisers

can add nitrogen from 20 kg/ha to 200 kg/ha depending upon the

optimum conditions. Pastures and forages respond more than

grain crops. The yield increases usually range around 10-35%.

However, in the vast areas of low input agriculture and in the

context of imparting sustainability to crop production at reduced

chemical pollution, this product will be of much use. Rhizobium

culture treatment becomes essential when new types of legumes

like soybeans are introduced in new areas. On the other hand,

the application of PSB helps plant to get phosphorous as its

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nutrient. The range of benefits usually seen for different

organisms is also given in Annexure 1.

5. Other benefits

Application of biofertilisers should not be viewed from the angle

of nutrient supply to the crops alone. They add life to the soil

rendered sterile by the excess use of chemicals, etc. Some of

them possess growth promoting substances and also reduce the

incidence of certain diseases. These organisms also add organic

matter in the soil which is urgent for maintaining soil fertility.

These inputs are crucial if some one would like to take up organic

farming.

6. The Outlines of Commercial Manufacture of Bio-

fertilizers :

The manufacturing process in short involves

1. Selection of suitable strain of the organism for which market

demand is identified.

2. Mass multiplication.

3. Mixing of the culture with carrier material and packing. (

Recently liquid biofertiliser is also getting popularity. But this

method still needs to be standardised & BIS specification for

liquid biofertiliser is essential).

The steps involved are as follows :

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6.1 Culture selection and maintenance:

The pure mother cultures of various strains are being maintained

in Agricultural Universities, IARI, some ICAR institutions, National

/ Regional biofertilizer labs of MOA, etc. There are international

sources of supply also like NifTAL, IRRI etc. The mother culture in

test tubes of desired strain can be purchased from the identified

sources. They have to be further sub-cultured and maintained

purely for mass production by adopting standard techniques

under the supervision of trained microbiologist.

6.2 Culture augmentation:

In the next stage the culture has to be mass multiplied in two

levels namely (i) at primary level using shakers in flasks and (ii)

Secondary stage multiplication in fermenters. The important

factor in this is the preparation of growing medium in which the

culture is mass multiplied. There are standard media on which

information is available from published sources like Norris & date,

Fred et al, ISI approved etc. in case of Rhizobium. Similarly

composition for growth media are available for other cultures.

After the media is formulated and sterilized in fermenter, it is

inoculated using the shorter cultures multiplied in the flasks at

definite ratios usually 1-5%. The bacteria growing medium is

called broth and it is continuously aerated by passing sterile air

from compressors. After about 3-4 days fermentation period, the

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broth will be ready for packing in a carrier material. At various

stages the quality is tested by drawing samples.

6.3 Carrier sterilization:

While the broth is getting ready in the fermenter the carrier

material, which will contain microbes to survive, is sterilized in

autoclaves and kept ready for mixing the broth. Peat imported

from countries like U.S., Australia is reported to be the best

source of carrier material. However, lignite or charcoal is used

extensively in India. The carrier is either sterilized in bulk or it is

packed and then the packets are sterilized. However the system

will depend on the specific methodology which has been

standardised.

6.4 Mixing and packing:

There are 2-3 alternatives depends upon the sophistication and

automation of the unit.

1. Under non sterile system, the broth is harvested from the

fermenter into sterilized carrier - the mixing is done

manually under aseptic condition and packed in polythene

bags of desired quantity.

2. In a slightly upgraded method, the broth and sterilized

carrier are mixed mechanically in a blender and the material

is packed using semiautomatic packing and sealing machine.

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In a slightly modified method some units are packing by

delivering desired quantities of carrier and broth

simultaneously from separate pipe conveyance system in to

the polythene bags.

3. Under a completely sterile system the carrier is taken in

autoclavable polypropylene bags and pre sealed - into which

the broth from fermenter is directly injected with the help of

dispenser. The injection hole is immediately sealed. The

packets are kept in incubation room for about a week before

transferring to store room.

Sterile system of packing using auto syringe and dispenser is

recommended to be the best method and all new units should

follow and adopt this system.

6.5 Equipment needed:

The main equipment needed for manufacture and lab are listed

below. They are available through scientific and lab equipment

suppliers.

List of equipment

Name Approximate Purpose

quantity needed

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1. Boiler/steam generator 1 big or 2 small To generate steam for

sterilization (where ever required)

2. Autoclaves - Horizontal 1 For carrier sterilization

Vertical 2-4 For sterilising smaller quantities of culture media and

small containers.

3. Rotary shakers 1-2 For growth of culture ( small scale)

4. Fermenters 2 For growth of culture ( large scale)

(300 lit capacity)

5. Laminar air flow -

work station of 6' size 1-2 For inoculation purposes

6. BOD incubator 1 For incubation

7. Hot air oven 2 For dry glassware

8. Air conditioner 2-3

9. Refrigerator 1-2

10. Microscope 1

11. Balances 2-3

12. Dispensers or

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Semi automatic mixing 2 sets with automatic injection systems

when needed.

13. Sealing machine 1

14. Lab equipments: For quality control and microbial works

pH meter 1

Colony counter 1

Microscope 1

Fridge 1

15. Glassware As needed. Conical flasks are the major

requirement

16. Distiller water unit or 1 set

Demineralization unit

17. Office furniture As needed

6.6 Layout of the production unit:

The biofertilizer plant should be housed in a suitable building

complex. The main production unit should have separate

channels for bacteriological work, carrier making and mixing and

customer and visitor/marketing way. In addition there should be

rooms with separate entrance for utilities like power, steam

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generator and stores. Appropriate design can be adopted in

consultation with architects /engineers/scientists.

6.7 Raw material:

The chief raw materials needed for the production of biofertilizers

are as follows:

Mother cultures

Carrier material - lignite or bentonite or peat or charcoal or

other materials of desired quality in powder form (70-100

mesh) etc. as suggested by BIS.

Polythene bags, HDPE bags, cardboard cartons

Growth materials - include Mannitol, sucrose, glucose, yeast

extract, malic acid, calcium phosphate and other chemicals

as per requirement.

6.8 Others:

In addition to the equipment given in para 6.5, the unit may also

require 2 transport vehicles. ( 1 LCV and 1 Jeep)

6.9 Quality Control:

Though there are BIS standards for four species viz. Rhizobium

(IS:8268-2001) and Azotobacter (IS:9138-2002), Azospirillum

(IS:14806:2000), PSB (IS:14807:2000), there is no systematic

quality certification system and monitoring mechanism. It is

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entirely an internal arrangement and voluntary system as of now.

As the products being living microorganisms, the quality check

up, certification batch-wise even if it is internal is highly essential.

Each unit should have lab infrastructure and plans/arrangements

for the same. Each unit, therefore should have the following

facilities :

adequate microbiological lab and qualified microbiologist.

Sampling and testing at various stages of production,

including the quality of raw materials.

Specify on the packets all the contents and cell counts. The

source of mother culture and the strain name should also be

mentioned.

The unit should fix their quality certificate and batch

number, pack the products in proper packing material.

Store the products in cooler places till they are sold to

farmers.

Ensure to have aseptic conditions, cleanliness and

contamination free production lines and housing.

Preferably use automatic and closed systems.

As per BIS specifications, certain tests are required to be

conducted, like number of cells, colony character, reaction etc.

Cell number at the time of manufacture should not be less than

107 per gram of carrier material, for all biofertilisers. Similarly,

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the number of cell count and permissible contamination at expiry

dates are also specified.

As certification arrangements are not in place at present,

legislation for quality monitoring and accredited labs for testing

may be needed in future to ensure proper quality and promote

this products. Even there is a need of BIS specification for liquid

culture which is available in the market.

6.10 Limitations and constraints

The major limiting factors include:

Narrow genetic base of mother cultures and lack of efficient

and virulent strains suitable to various agro-environments.

Unsatisfactory carrier material in respect of uniformity and

good quality against imported peat material.

High contamination in broth mixing and packing stages, not

using completely closed system of production.

Unsatisfactory packing material which reduces shelf life.

Unsatisfactory storing conditions, particularly during the

distribution period. Exposure to high temperatures and

sunlight destroy the microbial culture. They should be

preferably kept in cold storage conditions.

Not employing properly trained microbiologist.

Lack of quality controls and certification procedures.

Lack of awareness among farmers for its proper application.

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At field level: The efficiency when applied to soils is limited by

several factors; most important of them being., drought and high

summer temperature, water logging, unfavourable soil pH,

antagonism from other organisms and nutrient deficiency. There

is an acute awareness gap among the farmers on the subject.

References

1. Biofertilizer - Technology, Marketing and usage, a source

book-cum-Glossary by Dr. M R Motsara, Dr.P.Bhattacharya &

Dr.Beena Srivastava (1995) - Fertilizer Development and

Consultation Organization publishers, New Delhi 110048

(India)

2. ISI standard IS: 9138-2002 (Specifications for Azotobacter)

3. ISI Standard IS: 8268-2001 (Specifications for Rhizobium)

4. ISI standard IS: 14806-2000 (Specifications for

Azospirillum)

5. ISI Standard IS: 14807-2000 (Specifications for PSB)

6. Biofertilizers in Agriculture and Forestry by N S Subba Rao,

Oxford & IBH, New Delhi.

Other Annexures (Click the highlighted text given below to open

the respective Annexures)

Annexure III , Annexure IV, Annexure V, Annexure VI,

Annexure VI I , Annexure VIII , Annexure IX , Annexure X