Shillong, Feb 22: For small farmers like Rikman Sangma from South Garo Hills, the bioenhancer at the College of Community Science (CCS) Tura has been a real blessing.
Biofertilizers, enriched with living microorganisms, act as nature’s catalysts, enhancing soil fertility and boosting crop yields. Unlike chemical fertilizers, they fix atmospheric nitrogen, dissolve insoluble phosphates, and stimulate root growth, all while being environmentally friendly. The CAU Bioenhancer, the unit’s flagship product, has proven to be a game-changer for farmers in the region.
The Liquid Biofertilizer Production Unit at the College of Community Science (CCS), Central Agricultural University (CAU) (Imphal), Tura, is more than just a facility; it is a symbol of sustainable progress in agriculture.
“Before, I relied on chemical fertilizers, but since I started using CAU Bioenhancer, my rice yield has significantly improved. The soil feels richer and more fertile. It’s been a real blessing for small farmers like us.”
The bioenhancer was started at the College of Community Science (CCS) Tura in 2023 but now is transforming the way local farmers cultivate their land.
Banchira D Sangma, a farmer from West Garo Hills, says, “Switching to CAU Bioenhancer has been one of the best decisions for my farm.”
Farmers have reported a 25-35% increase in yield while reducing input costs by 50%. Moreover, the biofertilizer stimulates native Rhizobium in legumes, ensuring better nitrogen fixation and long-term soil health.
It has a total capacity of 500 litres and a working capacity of 375 litres. The production unit is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced fermenters, sterilization systems, and packaging units. It produces CAU Bioenhancer, a microbial powerhouse specifically suited for the acidic soils of Northeast India. Containing a consortium of beneficial bacteria—Bacillus altitudinis, Pseudomonas sapiophile, Azospirillum, and others—this biofertilizer works wonders across a variety of crops.
The CAU Bioenhancer has reached over 500 farmers across West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and South West Garo Hills. Farmers have embraced it for crops such as rice, maize, tomato, broccoli, cabbage, pumpkin, and more. Reports from the field are promising—yields have increased significantly, soil health has improved, and costs have gone down.
Farmers have also observed an unexpected yet crucial benefit—disease suppression. By applying CAU Bioenhancer to crops like okra, cauliflower, brinjal, and cabbage, they found that it helped inhibit soil-borne pathogens, reducing disease prevalence in their fields.
The reduced dependency on chemical fertilizers, particularly urea has been one of the most important impacts of the initiative. Many farmers reported that the availability of CAU Bioenhancer from CCS, Tura, has allowed them to cut back on chemical inputs, leading to healthier soils and lower input costs. This shift not only benefits farmers economically but also contributes to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem in Meghalaya.
Dr. Sabyasachi Majumdar, Assistant Professor at CCS, CAU (I), highlighted the broader implications. “Biofertilizers contribute to the buildup of soil organic matter, enhancing soil fertility, structure, and overall health. They introduce beneficial microorganisms that boost microbial diversity and create a balanced ecosystem,” he said.
Rethila D. Marak, another farmer from West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, noted the role of vermicomposting in organic farming. “The technology demonstrated by the scientists at CCS, Tura, has shown us how to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich gold, improving soil fertility and sustainability,” she said.
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