The Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, launched by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, is designed to significantly promote the production and sale of organic fertilizers across India. This initiative operates under the broader Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARDhan) umbrella, which supports various Bio-Gas and Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) schemes aimed at converting waste into wealth. The primary objective of the MDA scheme is to provide financial support to manufacturing-cum-marketing entities, CBG operators, Bio-gas operators, marketers, and distributors who produce and sell Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), and enriched Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM).
This scheme offers assistance at a rate of ₹1,500 per Metric Tonne for eligible sales, directly incentivizing the market penetration and adoption of these eco-friendly products. Beyond direct sales assistance, the scheme also includes a substantial corpus of ₹3,60,00,00,000 for gap funding in research, although this component is specifically allocated to Central and State Research Institutes or non-private fertilizer cooperatives, rather than individual businesses. Applicants are required to register their manufacturing units on the GOBARDhan portal and ensure their fertilizers conform to the stringent specifications outlined in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). This comprehensive approach aims to bolster the organic farming sector, enhance soil health, and support sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
The scheme's overall budget outlay stands at an impressive ₹14,51,82,00,000, spanning three financial years from 2023-24 to 2025-26, underscoring the government's long-term commitment to organic fertilizer promotion and rural development.
