How rainfall volatility is accelerating India’s shift from chemical to biofertilisers

India's agricultural foundation, which acts as the backbone of the nation's economy, is facing a serious threat. The challenge is not just a minor inconvenience or a new disease but a more subtle and dangerous force: the increasingly erratic Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM).

This weather event—characterised by long dry spells and sudden heavy rain—is slowly wearing away the soil that sustains us. This pressing issue is causing major shifts in agricultural methods, paving the way for a biofertiliser revolution that could be crucial for our survival in a shifting climate.

A betrayal in the monsoon and the decline of our soil

The reliability of Indian agriculture has always depended on a steady monsoon pattern. But that reliability is now lost. Given the recent developments, there has been a significant shift in the overall situation, with a 2020 report by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water indicating that a concerning 75% of Indian districts are experiencing severe weather events.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) regularly releases reports on seasons marked by extended dry periods, sometimes broken by short bursts of heavy rain. This new situation now poses a serious dual challenge of widespread flooding followed by drought-like conditions that threaten crop development at every stage.

This instability is compromising the quality of the soil. Heavy rainfall has effects that go beyond just inundating fields. This phenomenon speeds up the erosion of topsoil, causing significant nutrient leaching that leads to the depletion of vital minerals like nitrates, sulphates, and potassium.

This method exhausts the soil’s nutrient reserves, decreasing its Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)—both of which serve as significant indicators of the overall soil health.

The ecosystem of microorganisms that inhabit the soil is concurrently experiencing significant impacts. A prolonged drought restricts the availability of food for beneficial bacteria. Excessive moisture creates anaerobic conditions that restrict the proper functioning of the microbes. 

The economic consequences and the potential of biofertilisers

The decline in soil health has significant repercussions, which lead to marked decreases in crop yields, entangling farmers in a continuous cycle of debt. As soil fertility declines, the effectiveness of chemical fertilisers decreases significantly, forcing farmers to use greater amounts of inputs for diminished returns.

This issue has reached a national level, with the government's expenditure on fertiliser subsidies expected to reach approximately Rs 1.75 lakh crore (around $21 billion) for FY23-24—a financial strain that becomes increasingly difficult to manage as our soils persist in resisting these subsidised inputs.

In this context, biofertilisers are turning into a more scientifically sound and economically feasible option. These formulations are ideally created using living microorganisms that tackle the significant challenges of nutrient availability and stress resilience.

Microorganisms such as Azotobacter and Rhizobium carry out Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF), which transforms atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, processed into nitrites and nitrates through nitrification that plants can utilise.

At the same time, Phosphate and Potassium Solubilising Bacteria (PSB and KSB) generate organic acids that release vital minerals found in the soil, thus enhancing their accessibility for plant uptake. About 25-35% of fertiliser requirements can be supplemented through biofertilisers, saving billions for the government exchequer. 

A strong future, supported by policy and innovation

Alongside providing essential nutrients, these beneficial microbes act as natural stress relievers for plants. Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) produce phytohormones that enhance root development, allowing plants to access water during drought conditions.

Additionally, they produce exopolysaccharides that serve as a natural adhesive, improving soil structure and moisture retention. By establishing themselves in the root zone, these microbes assist plants in combating pathogens, thereby fostering a suppressive soil environment.

The acknowledgement of the diverse advantages of biofertilisers is catalysing a significant shift in the market. The Indian biofertiliser market size is estimated at $152.5 million in 2025, expected to reach $233.5 million by 2030. This growth is strongly backed by government policy through initiatives such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the PM-PRANAM scheme, which actively encourage the shift away from chemical inputs.

The convergence of climate-driven necessity, scientific innovation, and government policy is positioning biofertilisers as a central pillar of India's strategy for a climate-resilient agricultural future. It represents a transition from struggling against natural forces to collaborating with them, restoring our soil fundamentally, and securing the enduring sustainability of our nation's food supply.

Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka is the President of IPL Biologicals Ltd