The concept of Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs) has gained prominence in India with the Central Government’s announcement of establishing 10,000 BRCs under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). These centres are seen as key factors in transitioning towards sustainable agriculture, especially in promoting the use of bio-inputs. However, to fully understand how BRCs can help scale up sustainable farming, it is crucial to address the challenges they face.

Need for Bio-Inputs in Sustainable Agriculture

One of the primary obstacles to scaling sustainable agriculture is limited access to bio-inputs. In 2023–24, agricultural subsidies in India amounted to INR4051.56 billion, with chemical fertilizers accounting for 43.2 per cent of this total. By popularizing bio-inputs among farmers, a portion of these subsidies can be redirected towards supporting more sustainable farming practices. This would, in turn, benefit the environment by reducing the damage caused by conventional chemical agriculture.

What is a Bio-Input Resource Centre (BRC)?

A BRC is a facility where locally prepared bio-inputs — such as Jeevamruth, Panchgavya, Neemastra, and others—are made available to farmers. These bio-inputs are created using natural ingredients like cow dung, plant leaves, ginger, garlic, and other locally available materials. Preparation methods often include fermentation, boiling, grinding, and soaking, and the final products are stored in simple containers such as plastic bottles or earthen pots. BRCs aim to make bio-inputs accessible, affordable, and convenient for farmers, serving as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.

BRCs come in various forms, including individual, community-based, and cattle shelter (gaushala) models. The individual model prepares bio-inputs on a small scale for specific farmer needs, while the community-based model centralizes the preparation, sale, and sometimes decentralizes production. Key factors for a successful BRC include understanding local crop patterns, ensuring a year-round supply of bio-inputs, proper storage, pricing strategies, and labour management. The government has announced INR1 lakh in support per BRC for initial setup, but several challenges remain in making them truly impactful.

Challenges Faced by BRCs

BRCs face several challenges, these include challenges with standardization, shelf life, storage, and finance.

Lack of Standardization: There is no uniform method for the preparation, formulation, or application of bio-inputs, leading to inconsistencies in quality.

Short Shelf Life: Some bio-inputs need to be used within 24–48 hours, while others can last for up to six months. This limits the ability to store and sell products year round.

Storage Issues: Most BRCs use non-ideal storage methods, which can impact the shelf life and effectiveness of the products.

Financial Limitations: BRCs often rely on grants for funding, and without a solid entrepreneurial approach, many struggle to sustain themselves financially.

Furthermore, BRCs must adopt an entrepreneurial model to ensure sustainability. Accurate forecasting of demand, especially considering seasonal fluctuations, is essential. Additionally, pricing should be standardized across states, and marketing strategies should be defined to increase the reach of bio-inputs. Farmers and community resource persons (CRPs) involved in selling bio-inputs should be incentivized with margins similar to those of conventional agricultural input dealers.

Role of Women SHGs and FPOs

Incorporating self-help groups (SHGs) and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) into BRC operations could enhance their impact. SHGs can be responsible for production, while FPOs can focus on branding, marketing, and distribution. This collaborative model could improve the efficiency and reach of BRCs.

Institutions like ICAR, KVKs, and agricultural universities play a critical role in researching the effects of bio-inputs on crops, soil health, biodiversity, and the overall environment. Research can help refine bio-input formulations and improve their effectiveness, making them more viable and appealing to farmers.

Finally, the concept of BRCs has the potential to accelerate India’s shift towards sustainable, natural farming practices. However, for BRCs to achieve their full potential, they need an entrepreneurial mindset, consistent quality control, effective marketing, and strong institutional support. With proper planning, these centres could help farmers transition away from chemical fertilizers and adopt more eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices.#

Shweta Nikam works as a Senior Project Associate at FOLU India.