The Indian Biogas Association (IBA) is urging the government to mandate the blending of fermented organic manure with chemical fertilisers. In its recommendations presented through a white paper titled “FOM Feeds Soil, Soil Feeds Sustainability,” the IBA calls for a phased approach to reach 10% blending of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM) with chemical fertilisers by 2030.
The IBA says the policy would help address declining soil health and support a transition toward more sustainable agriculture. It also estimates that such blending could reduce India’s fertiliser-related imports, saving about USD 2 billion annually.
The white paper released during the BBB Summit 2026 (May 7–9) with Union New and Renewable Energy Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi highlights that the proposed mandate should be implemented alongside existing government programmes. The IBA recommends integrating FOM blending into frameworks such as the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) framework, the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY). The IBA frames the initiative as a policy intervention to improve soil fertility while accelerating sustainable farming practices.
