Development and application of agriculturally important microorganisms in India

Abstract

Significant expansion in agricultural yield brought by green revolution has not been converted into a replica for prolonged agricultural growth. Disproportionate reliance on chemical fertilizers mainly nitrogen and phosphorus and non-judicious use of pesticides have led to water pollution and untenable burden on the agricultural ecosystems. This alarming situation has paved way for augmentation in biofertilizer and biopesticide uses, as commercially available alternative for improving soil quality, and utilization of different resources more effectively for escalating crop production. The coverage of biofertilizer and biopesticide usage in various states of India and its influence on agricultural production has been studied intensively in the current work. The uses of biofertilizers and biopesticides have been promoted actively by both state and central government in India. This chapter comprehensively discusses the current scenario and various regulatory and commercialization challenges associated with the use of biopesticides and biofertilizers. In this chapter few general recommendations have been suggested to enhance the promotion and acceptance of green agriculture in India.