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The target for the production of legumes – pulses and oilseeds – has been fixed at 29.5 and 41.3 million tonnes, respectively, in 2022-23. But why are these legumes important?
Well, legumes such as soybeans, chickpeas, and lentils can fix nitrogen levels in non-legume plants. These crops are symbiotic with rhizobia bacteria, which live nodules on the plant’s roots. The bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which the plant can use for growth. The process is Biological Nitrogen Fixation (BNF).

In simpler terms, BNF is the process by which certain plants can fix atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form of nitrogen that the plants can absorb. This process is crucial in Indian agriculture, where a significant portion of the country’s population depends on farming for their livelihoods. Moreover, it is a natural process that can provide a sustainable and cost-effective nitrogen source for crops.

Farmers in India can grow legume crops to take advantage of BNF. These crops can be rotated with other crops to improve soil fertility and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers. In addition, legume crops can be used as a source of protein for both humans and livestock.

BNF has several benefits for farmers in India:

• BNF reduces the cost of fertilisers, which is a significant expense for many farmers. This can improve the profitability of farming and reduce the financial burden on farmers.
• BNF can improve soil health and fertility. Nitrogen-fixing plants add organic matter to the soil, which improves soil structure and water retention. This can lead to higher crop yields and improved soil health over time.
• BNF has positive environmental impacts. For example, chemical fertilisers are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and can lead to water pollution. By reducing the use of chemical fertilisers, BNF can help to mitigate these negative environmental impacts.

Conclusion 

Biological Nitrogen Fixation is an essential process in Indian agriculture. For farmers, it is crucial to growing crops that improve their livelihood. agribazaar offers Kisan Safalta Card to farmers with a single click via their app to provide farmers with the financial assistance they need for a healthier yield. As the focus on sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship increases, BNF will likely become even more critical in the coming years.