Organic fertilizer or compost fertilizer is one of the most important agricultural inputs. The object of crafting this article is to provide 3 profitable organic fertilizer manufacturing business ideas as per FCO.
Organic fertilizer means substances made up of one or more unprocessed material(s) of a biological nature (plant/ animal). And it may include unprocessed mineral materials that have been altered through the microbiological decomposition process.
According to the FCO (Fertilizer Control Order), there are three different types of organic fertilizers you can make and sell. However, the fertilizer industry is highly regulated by the Govt. of India.
Therefore, you must maintain the right specifications and conditions. Additionally, you must obtain a license from the concerned department.
Specifications of Organic Fertilizer Production
According to the FCO, you will need to maintain certain specifications in starting the organic fertilizer manufacturing business.
- Moisture % by weight: 15.0-25.0
- Colour: Dark brown to black
- Odor: Absence of foul odor
- Particle size: Minimum 90% material should pass through 4.0 mm IS sieve
- Bulk density: (g/cm3) <1.0
- Total organic carbon % by weight: minimum 12.0
- Total Nitrogen (as N), % by weight: minimum 0.8
- The total Phosphates (as P2O5) % by weight: minimum 0.4
- Total Potash (as K2O) % by weight: minimum 0.4
- C:N ratio <20
- pH 6.5 – 7.5
- Conductivity (as DSM-1), not more than 4.0
- Pathogens Nil
- Heavy metal content, (as mg/Kg), maximum
Arsenic as (As2O3): 10.00
Cadmium (as Cd): 5.00
Chromium (as Cr): 50.00
Copper (as Cu): 300.00
Mercury (as Hg): 0.15
Nickel (as Ni): 50.00
Lead (as Pb): 100.00
Zinc (as Zn): 1000.00
List of 3 Organic Fertilizer Manufacturing Business Ideas
1. City Compost Organic Fertilizer
You can produce city compost from biodegradable organic matter city waste, through the microbial conversion process. It is a bioorganic soil enricher that helps to improve soil productivity. It is a rich source of plant nutrients and growth-promoting substances.
The bacteria present in this organic fertilizer helps in fixing atmospheric nitrogen and in making phosphorus available to the plants, ultimately leading to increased productivity of better quality.
Suggested Read: How To Start A Profitable Organic Farming Business
2. Pressmud
Pressmud is a very nutritious by-product of sugar industries. Sugarcane press mud is the residue of the filtration of sugarcane juice. The clarification process separates the juice into a clear juice that rises to the top and goes for manufacture, and mud that collects at the bottom.
Large amounts of press mud are released by the sugarcane industry and the disposal of this by-product is a major issue. However, this is one of the qualities of organic manure for soil applications.
Suggested Read: How To Start a Sugar Mill Project Business
3. Vermicompost
Vermicomposting is basically a managed process of worms digesting organic matter to transform the material into a beneficial soil amendment. The earthworms being voracious eaters consume the biodegradable matter and give out a part of the matter as excreta or vermicast. The vermicast containing nutrients is rich manure for the plants.
Suggested Read: How To Start A Biofertilizer Manufacturing Business
Basically, vermicompost supplies nutrients and growth-enhancing hormones to plants. Additionally, it improves the soil structure leading to an increase in water and nutrient holding capacities of soil.
Furthermore, fruits, flowers and vegetables, and other plant products grown using vermicompost are reported to have better keeping the quality.
Editorial Staff at NextWhatBusiness is a team of Business Consultants having years of experience in small and medium scale businesses.