Seaweed Based Biostimulants | 31 Jul 2024
Recently, the Government of India has incorporated seaweed-based biostimulants under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985 to ensure a supply of good quality biostimulants to farmers.
- Biostimulants: Biostimulants promote natural processes in plants or their roots, improving nutrient absorption, efficiency, stress tolerance, and overall crop quality and yield.
- They align well with organic farming as they also emphasise on ecological balance, soil health, and reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals.
- The government is promoting seaweed cultivation in the country through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
- The government is also promoting organic farming through schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
- PKVY is being implemented in all the States other-than North Eastern States, across the country whereas MOVCDNER scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States.
- Both the schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management Training and Capacity Building are integral part of the scheme.
Read More: Organic Farming in India