Biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture in India

Biofertilizers are microorganisms that support the growth of plants by enhancing the nutrient supply to the host plant when given to seeds, plants, or the soil. Several microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria, cyanobacteria, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, molds, and mushrooms, are routinely utilized as biofertilizers. The most commonly used biofertilizers are nitrogen-fixers (N-fixers), potassium solubilizers (K solubilizers), phosphorus solubilizers (P solubilizer), and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Biofertilizers represent a secure and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and reducing environmental pollution. Biofertilizers offers direct benefits such as increased crop yields, fruit quality, nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, improved plant growth, enhanced plant resistance to pests and diseases, reduced costs, improved soil vitality and soil properties, as well as enhancing and conserving natural resources. However, even with their promising future, the field of biofertilizers faces significant challenges related to formulation, quality control, storage, production, combined, which has prevented their widespread use.