'Biofertilisers do not benefit farmers'

Here is a word of caution to farmers. The application of biofertilisers to enhance the yield of wheat and rice is of no consequence. Do not waste money on these "cultures", which are palmed off by private trade. The only crops that stand to benefit are legumes.

This set of warning comes from Punjab Agricultural University soil scientists after sustained field experiments to determine the usefulness or purposefulness of the biofertilisers available in the market that are supposed to increase yields of wheat and rice by enabling soil organisms to "fix" nitrogen and act as phosphate solubilizer.

According to soil scientists GS Saroa and V Beri, except for "Rhizobium" all other biofertilisers like azotobacter and azospirillum or blue green algae, phosphate solublizing micro-organisms are of no significance or consequence when it comes to obtaining higher yields.

The reason for marketing of these biofertilisers is for taking advantage of the wide canvas on which wheat and rice is grown and enticing the farmers to purchase their products.