With
the advent of green revolution in 1960s, use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds
coupled with efficient irrigation and use of chemical fertilizers boosted the
agricultural productivity, which further boosted agricultural production
worldwide, especially in the developing countries. Increased crop yield also
affected the fertility of the land attributable to the excessive use of
fertilizers. Excessive use of fertilizers elevates the acidity of soil. Presence
of excess nitrogen in the soil reduces plant diversity by enhancing the growth
of plants. Excess nitrogen fixation augments greenhouse effect, diminishes stratospheric ozone, promotes
smog, contaminates drinking water, acidifies rain, eutrophics bays and
estuaries, and stresses ecosystems. Hence, there arises the need for shifting
to an eco-friendly alternative which can enhance the yield and maintain soil
health simultaneously. Here comes the role of organic fertilizers, which can overcome
the shortcomings of the conventional fertilizers.
Organic
fertilizers serve as a supplement to the traditionally used chemical
fertilizers. These are carbon-based compounds obtained by converting organic
substances into a usable fertilizer by modified aerobic-cum-anaerobic
composting. These fertilizers improve the soil fertility, water retention capabilities/capacities
and replenish the nutrients in the soil. Rising demand for organic food and
increasing awareness about the consequences of using chemical fertilizers are
boosting the organic fertilizers market.
Advantages of Using Organic Fertilizers
Organic Fertilizers & Its Major Nutrients to the Soil
Organic
fertilizers contain natural chemical elements that assist the growth of plant
as these fertilizers possess a lot of macro and micronutrients.

The Pre-requisites
With the
increasing standard of living and surging popularity of organic food, majority
of farmers are aiming to improve the market attractiveness of their yield by
using organic fertilizers. As organic fertilizer is gaining momentum, key
players operating in the chemical industry are focusing on capitalizing this
idea. However, before setting up an organic fertilizer manufacturing plant, many
factors are needed to be taken into consideration.
The most
important pre-requisite involves a lot of research and study about the business
and its feasibility. After all the research and analysis, there arises a need
for preparing a comprehensive business plan. The next step to set up an organic
fertilizer manufacturing plant is the registration of the business with the
authority. Starting an organic fertilizer plant can be capital
intensive but if it is well located then it can be a money-spinning business.
The proposed site should be close to the raw materials supply source, and there
should be adequate water & power supply and transportation facilities. The
site should not be in proximity to residential areas. Moreover, attention to
packaging and marketing strategies should be given. Finally, the buying and
installation of equipment should be done, besides appointment of labor.

Overview of Organic Fertilizers
Production
Raw Material & Production Process
The
raw materials for producing organic fertilizers are plentiful and extensive
such as animal manure (chicken manure, pig manure, sheep manure, cow dung,
horse manure, rabbit excrement), industrial waste (vinasse, vinegar residue,
cassava dregs, sugar residue, biogas waste, furfural residue), agricultural
waste (crop straw, soybean meal, cottonseed meal), household kitchen waste,
sludge (municipal sludge, river sludge, filter mud) and so on. The easy
availability of a large amount of raw materials makes organic fertilizer
business popular and successful.
