Biofertilizer is a type of fertilizer that contains living organisms. The industry is very promising in India these days. The object of crafting this article is to provide profitable biofertilizer manufacturing business ideas that can be started with low investment.
Biofertilizer is an essential item for organic farming and sustainable agriculture. And the use of this item helps to reduce the chemical fertilizer application. Additionally, the product not only enhances crop growth and yield but also improves soil health and sustains soil fertility.
Moreover, this is one of the most profitable knowledge-based agriculture industries.
Any individual can initiate a biofertilizer manufacturing business at any location. However, the business demands moderate startup capital investment. In starting this type of business, you have to establish an equipped laboratory and a production unit.
Additionally, this business demands good quality packaging. Furthermore, you will need to concentrate on the distribution and marketing of the product.
It is advisable, not to start this business with a single product. Every different item has different applications in several crops. So try to start with two or three items at a time.
In selecting the products, you can consider starting biofertilizer manufacturing those items that come in the liquid base. It will reduce the infrastructural cost.
7 Biofertilizer Manufacturing Business Ideas
Here is the list of top profitable biofertilizer manufacturing business opportunities:
#1. Azolla
Azolla is a free-floating water fern that floats in water and fixes atmospheric nitrogen in association with nitrogen-fixing blue-green alga Anabaenaazollae. It is a well-known item for wetland rice cultivation. You can grow Azolla in a small space with a comparatively small startup cost.
#2. Azospirillum
It is one of the most popular biofertilizers in the industry. It belongs to bacteria. Additionally, it can fix the considerable quantity of nitrogen in the range of 20- 40 kg N/ha in the rhizosphere in nonleguminous plants. The product has several other benefits also. Disease resistance and drought tolerance are some of the additional benefits due to Azospirillum inoculation.
#3. Azotobacter
It is an important and well-known free-living nitrogen-fixing aerobic bacterium. As per ISI standards, one gram of biofertilizer immediately after it is prepared should have one crore cells of bacteria, and 15 days before the expiry date one gram of biofertilizer should have 10 lakh bacteria.
Lignite is the most suitable carrier for this organism. Additionally, it is cheaper, keeps organisms living for a longer period, and does not lower the quality of bio-fertilizers.
#4. Blue-Green Algae or Cyanobacteria
Blue-green algae are photoautotrophic prokaryotic algae. Generally, it can fix the atmospheric nitrogen in moist soils. Additionally, the algae include unicellular and filamentous species. However, you must have a laboratory setup for producing this biofertilizer.
#5. Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria PSB
Phosphorus is an essential and major nutrient for microorganisms and plants. Phosphorus influences plant growth and productivity throughout the world. Also, it is an essential component of DNA and RNA in biological systems.
Since most of the compounds of phosphorus occurring in nature, especially in soils are insoluble, microorganisms, in particular, rhizobacteria play a significant role in the solubilization of these compounds.
#6. Rhizobium
The Rhizobium fixes nitrogen from the air into ammonia. And it acts as a natural fertilizer for the plants. It produces nodules and multiplies them. By remaining inside the modules it fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Additionally, it is the most efficient biofertilizer as per the quantity of nitrogen fixed concerned.
#7. Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria (SSB)
Silicon is the second most abundant element found on the earth, but its solubility in the soil is a major concern. Therefore identification of efficient bacterial strains that could solubilize silicate is of paramount importance.
Moreover, the solubilization of silica also releases several other essential nutrients into the soil. Additionally, it suppresses various fungal diseases in plants is contributed to the resistance provided by these bacteria to the pathogens penetrating host tissue.
Tips to Start Biofertilizer Manufacturing
First of all, biofertilizer manufacturing is a knowledge-based agriculture input production business. Therefore, if you don’t have sufficient knowledge, hire the right team.
The industry is highly regulated by the Government. So you must comply with the FCO (Fertilizer Control Order).
In the finished goods, you have to maintain the minimum population of living organisms.
Additionally, you have to design the packaging with all the mandatory information. The list includes your company name with address, used carrier, batch number, date of production, etc.
To get the manufacturing license, you will need to apply with Form-D with two copies to the registering authority.
Initially, you will get a license for manufacturing for a duration of 3 years. After 3 years, you will need to renew the license.
Biofertilizer manufacturing is the perfect business opportunity for individuals with a microbiology or biotechnology background. However, anyone can start this business with strategic planning and dedication.

Editorial Staff at NextWhatBusiness is a team of Business Consultants having years of experience in small and medium scale businesses.