Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda Highlights Implementation of MDA Scheme to Promote Organic Fertilizers from GOBARdhan and CBG Plants

**Executive Summary** The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is implementing the Market Development Assistance (MDA) Scheme to promote organic fertilizers from GOBARdhan and Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants. As of March 04, 2026, 120 CBG/BG plants have registered on the iFMS portal. To enhance marketing, 44 MoUs have been signed between Fertilizer Marketing Companies (FMCs) and CBG operators. The MDA scheme is concluding this year, with its impact being evaluated by NITI Aayog and a two-year ICAR project initiated from November 29, 2024. **Key Points / Main Content** * **MDA Scheme for Organic Fertilizers:** * The Government of India is promoting organic fertilizers from GOBARdhan and CBG plants through the MDA Scheme. * MDA is provided at a rate of ₹1500 per metric tonne for Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid FOM (LFOM), and Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM). * **Plant Registration and Marketing:** * As of March 04, 2026, 120 CBG/BG plants are registered on the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (iFMS) portal. * Fertilizer Marketing Companies (FMCs) have been encouraged to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with CBG operators to strengthen marketing and ensure wider availability. * A total of 44 MoUs have been signed for the marketing of FOM, LFOM, and PROM. * **Farmer Outreach Programmes:** * The Department of Fertilizers directed FMCs to conduct extensive farmer outreach programmes. * Between February 2025 and January 2026, 24 FMCs conducted 15,690 Kisan Sangoshthis and camps. * These programmes included demonstrations on the use of FOM, LFOM, PROM, PDM, and City Compost, along with technical sessions on fertilizer dosages, application methods, and benefits of organic inputs. * The outreach focused on promoting balanced fertilizer use, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), organic farming practices, and soil health improvement. * **Scheme Evaluation and Future Research:** * The impact of the MDA Scheme is currently being evaluated by NITI Aayog as the scheme concludes this year. * A two-year ICAR project has been approved, effective from November 29, 2024, for demonstrations and field studies on FOM and LFOM, at a cost of ₹11.79 crore, to strengthen scientific assessment and farmer awareness. * **Sales and MDA Release Data:** * Year-wise sales data for FOM, LFOM, and PROM from 2023-24 to 2025-26 (up to 28.02.2026) are provided, showing a total sale of 20,65,033.12 MT. * Year-wise MDA release data from 2023-24 to 2025-26 (up to 28.02.2026) shows a total MDA released of ₹111.72 crore. **Impact Analysis** **Fertilizer Marketing Companies (FMCs)** * **Impact:** FMCs are encouraged to enter into MoUs for marketing organic fertilizers and are responsible for conducting farmer outreach programmes. They have signed 44 MoUs and conducted extensive outreach activities. * **Action Required:** Continue engagement with CBG operators, undertake farmer outreach, and participate in demonstrations and field studies as part of future initiatives. **CBG/BG Plant Operators** * **Impact:** The scheme provides a market for organic fertilizers produced by these plants through the MDA support and marketing efforts of FMCs. 120 plants are registered on the iFMS portal. * **Action Required:** Continue to register on the iFMS portal and collaborate with FMCs for marketing and distribution of their organic fertilizer products. **Farmers** * **Impact:** Farmers benefit from increased availability and awareness of organic fertilizers through outreach programmes, demonstrations, and technical sessions focused on balanced fertilizer use and soil health. * **Action Required:** Participate in Kisan Sangoshthis, camps, and demonstrations to learn about the use and benefits of FOM, LFOM, PROM, PDM, and City Compost. **NITI Aayog** * **Impact:** NITI Aayog is responsible for evaluating the impact of the MDA Scheme as it concludes. * **Action Required:** Conduct and complete the impact assessment of the MDA Scheme. **Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)** * **Impact:** ICAR will conduct a two-year project focusing on demonstrations and field studies of FOM and LFOM to enhance scientific assessment and farmer awareness. * **Action Required:** Implement the approved two-year ICAR project from November 29, 2024, focusing on demonstrations and field studies of FOM and LFOM.

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