IBA calls for 10% blending of fermented organic manure with fertilizers by 2030; white paper released

The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) has called for 10% mandatory blending of fermented organic manure (FOM) with chemical fertilizers by 2030, arguing it could save about $2 billion in fertilizer imports annually. The IBA presented a white paper titled 'FOM feeds soil; soil feeds sustainability', released by New and Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi. The white paper proposes blending as a key intervention to address declining soil health and outlines a policy framework to integrate FOM into flagship government schemes, including the nutrient-based subsidy framework, the Soil Health Card scheme, and the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana. It also suggests adding organic carbon as a nutrient parameter within the subsidy to enable balanced fertilization and fair subsidies for FOM, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. The IBA advocated launching an umbrella national programme to ensure 100% offtake and utilization of FOM produced from biogas and compressed biogas, creating a circular link between renewable energy and agriculture. IBA president A.R. Shukla stated that mainstreaming FOM is essential for soil regeneration and climate resilience, and that a coordinated policy approach could save the government $2 billion annually once 10% blending is achieved.