Application of microbial inoculants, like, Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, is an integral part of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM). VIB developed a system for germplasm collection and maintenance of biofertilizer microorganisms. Region specific microbial strains are selected through , laboratory analysis, pot experiment and field trial. Microbial culture are produced through a low cost, scientific and rurally operable production system developed by ICRISAT, Pathancheru, AP. Both carrier based and liquid formulations are produced in this centre.
This is one of the most important tasks in Biofertilizer Technology. Suitable strains of different biofertilizers are selected for specific agro climatic zone through, laboratory analyses, pot experiments and field experiments. Suitable microbial strains for the production of nitrogen, phosphate and potash biofertilizers for different crops and different regions of West Bengal are selected.
Different aids have been developed for the promotion of biofertilizer application. These include Instructional manuals, Promotional films, Posters, Booklets, Leaflets. Because of promos, acceptance of microbial biofertilizer is increased. A network of rural knowledge workers is developed for promotion of biofertilizer through a both ways knowledge / information transfer mechanism.