Microbial consortia boost yield for paddy farmer

For the last two years, S. Parthiban, 45, a farmer of Chidambaram in Cuddalore district watched his paddy yields stagnate despite investing money in chemical fertilizers. He faced the same frustrating reality every harvest season.

The turning point came in 2025, when Parthiban was introduced to the concept of microbial consortia – a balanced mixture of beneficial bacteria and fungi at a workshop organised by the Chidambaram Area Progressive Farmers Association.

Though most of the farmers were hesitant, Parthiban decided to try them on his four-acre paddy farm in Chidambaram. He used them on a native variety ADT-46 and the results showed an increase in yield in the first harvest in January this year.

“Each acre produced 38 bags with a weight of 60 kg each, an increase of more than 10 bags than the usual 28 bags per acre. I had used only 50 % of the usual chemical fertilizer, saving money,” Parthiban said.

According to S. Raja Mohammed, retired Joint Director of Horticulture, the strain of unique patented Microbial Consortia used by the farmer has been scientifically tested and validated at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). This strain helps in increased microbial count and a significant increase in beneficial microorganisms, revitalization of soil health, improved soil enzyme activity and beneficial microbial activities, he said.

It is necessary to explore and adopt innovative bio-agricultural inputs to conserve soil health besides increasing the productivity of rice and other food crops, he added.