A study of biopesticides and biofertilisers in Haryana, India

The potential of biopesticides and biofertilisers for promoting sustainable agriculture has been known for many years. A number of government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Biotechnology, are engaged in supporting research, production and application of these agents. However, in spite of these efforts, their use in India is small. This paper investigates the potential of and constraints in the use of biopesticides and biofertilisers, taking the state of Haryana as a case study. It explores the factors responsible for the limited use of these agents, based on detailed discussions with a large number of farmers, various agencies engaged in the promotion of biopesticides and biofertilisers, State Agricultural Department officials, and shopkeepers.