Biofertilizers Toward Sustainable Agricultural Development

Abstract

Modern intensive farming technologies enhance crop production but over time are associated with more problems, causing environment pollution that is hazardous to human health, and, ultimately poor production of crops and the threat to food security of the growing world population. Therefore, sustainable agricultural production is the major challenge to encounter the huge demand of food grain production by the emerging population in an environmentally safe and cost-effective manner. Biofertilizers are one of the key sources in sustainable agriculture production and organic farming to meet consumer preferences and quality crop production. Biofertilizers are live microorganisms that enhance the supply of adequate nutrients to the crop plants through nitrogen fixation, phosphorus and potassium solubilization, and production of plant growth hormones, ensuring optimum growth and development of crops, and ultimately facilitate higher crop production and productivity. Biofertilizers, being essential components of sustainable farming, are vital in maintaining long-term soil fertility and the sustainability of crop production. The modern agricultural production system needs the widespread use of biofertilizers and potent sources for inclusive and sustainable development of agriculture without damaging the ecosystem.