In India, where agriculture supports over 50% of the population and contributes approximately 18% to the GDP, sustainable farming practices are critical for ensuring food security and environmental health. One of the most promising tools for achieving this is mycorrhiza, a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots that enhances soil fertility and crop productivity. Specifically, Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), also known as arbuscular mycorrhiza, plays a pivotal role in modern agriculture. At Mankind Agritech, we harness this natural alliance through our product Nurturkind MYCO, a high-potency mycorrhizae powder designed to transform Indian farming. In this blog, we’ll explore what are mycorrhiza, their benefits, and practical tips for using mycorrhiza biofertilizer like Nurturkind MYCO to boost mycorrhizae soil health and crop yields across India.
Mycorrhiza, derived from the Greek words for “fungus” and “root,” refers to the symbiotic association between mycorrhiza fungi and the roots of most terrestrial plants. Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), a type of endomycorrhiza, is the most common, forming partnerships with over 80% of plant species, including major Indian crops like rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, and legumes. These fungi, primarily from the phylum Glomeromycota, colonize plant roots, forming specialized structures called arbuscules and vesicles. Arbuscules facilitate nutrient exchange, while vesicles store nutrients, enhancing plant growth.
In India, where soil degradation affects over 30% of agricultural land (ICAR, 2020), mycorrhizae for plants are vital for restoring fertility. The fungal hyphae extend beyond the plant’s root system, accessing nutrients and water from deeper soil layers that roots cannot reach. This makes mycorrhiza fungi essential for nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus, which is often locked in India’s nutrient-deficient soils. Products like Nurturkind MYCO, a concentrated mycorrhizae powder, deliver these mycorrhiza fungi directly to the soil, promoting sustainable agriculture.
The integration of mycorrhiza biofertilizer like Nurturkind MYCO offers numerous benefits tailored to the challenges faced by Indian farmers, from smallholders in Punjab to large-scale farmers in Maharashtra. Here’s how mycorrhizae soil enhancements drive agricultural success:
Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) significantly improves the uptake of phosphorus, a critical nutrient often limited in Indian soils due to fixation in acidic or alkaline conditions. The fungal hyphae extend up to 100 meters, accessing immobile nutrients like phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, and copper. A study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) found that VAM inoculation increased phosphorus uptake by 20-30% in crops like wheat and chickpea, boosting yields by up to 15% in field trials across Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Nurturkind MYCO, with its high spore count (3500 IP/gm), ensures efficient nutrient delivery, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
India’s agriculture is heavily monsoon-dependent, with 52% of farmland unirrigated (Ministry of Agriculture, 2021). Mycorrhiza fungi enhance water absorption by extending the root system’s reach, helping crops withstand drought. In drought-prone regions like Vidarbha, Maharashtra, VAM-inoculated crops like cotton and soybean showed 25% better survival rates under water stress. Nurturkind MYCO strengthens root networks, improving water retention and reducing irrigation needs, a critical advantage for Indian farmers facing erratic rainfall.
Mycorrhizae soil health is bolstered by the production of glomalin, a glycoprotein secreted by mycorrhiza fungi that binds soil particles into stable aggregates. This improves soil porosity, aeration, and water-holding capacity, combating erosion—a major issue in India, where 5.3 billion tons of soil are lost annually (ISRO, 2022). Nurturkind MYCO promotes glomalin production, enhancing soil structure and supporting long-term fertility, especially in degraded lands of states like Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Arbuscular mycorrhiza protects plants from soil-borne pathogens like Fusarium and Rhizoctonia, common in Indian soils. The fungi form a protective barrier around roots and enhance plant immunity. Field studies in Tamil Nadu showed that VAM-inoculated tomato crops had 30% lower incidence of root rot. Nurturkind MYCO introduces robust fungal strains like Glomus fasciculatum, which bolster crop resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses, including salinity in coastal regions like Gujarat.
With fertilizer costs rising by 40% in India over the past five years (FAO, 2023), mycorrhiza biofertilizer offers a cost-effective alternative. By enhancing nutrient mobilization, Nurturkind MYCO can reduce phosphorus fertilizer use by up to 25%, saving farmers in states like Punjab and Haryana significant expenses. This aligns with India’s push for organic farming under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture.
India’s organic food market is projected to reach ₹75,000 crore by 2025 (FICCI, 2022). Mycorrhizae for plants like those in Nurturkind MYCO are certified for organic use by NPOP, making them ideal for farmers targeting export markets for crops like basmati rice, spices, and fruits. The biofertilizer supports eco-friendly practices, enhancing soil biodiversity and crop quality.
To maximize the benefits of mycorrhizae soil enhancements with Nurturkind MYCO, Indian farmers can adopt the following practices tailored to local conditions:
Inoculate Nurturkind MYCO during sowing or transplanting to ensure early root colonization. For crops like rice in Punjab or sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh, mix 4-8 kg of mycorrhizae powder per hectare with soil or compost before planting. For seedlings, dip roots in a 5-10% slurry of Nurturkind MYCO for 5-10 minutes before transplanting.
Integrate Nurturkind MYCO with organic inputs like farmyard manure or vermicompost, widely used in states like Karnataka and Kerala. This enhances microbial activity, as organic matter provides a food source for mycorrhiza fungi. Apply 5 tons of compost per hectare mixed with 4 kg of Nurturkind MYCO for optimal results in crops like maize or pulses.
Excessive tillage, common in intensive farming regions like Haryana, disrupts fungal hyphae. Adopt conservation agriculture practices like zero-tillage or reduced tillage, as seen in Punjab’s rice-wheat systems, to preserve mycorrhizae soil networks. Apply Nurturkind MYCO near the root zone to maintain fungal integrity.
High doses of chemical fertilizers, particularly phosphorus, reduce VAM colonization. In India, where fertilizer overuse is prevalent, follow the 4Rs (Right source, Right rate, Right time, Right place) to balance nutrient application. Use Nurturkind MYCO to supplement 20-25% of phosphorus needs, especially for crops like soybean in Madhya Pradesh.
Crop rotations with non-mycorrhizal crops like mustard or canola, common in Rajasthan, can reduce mycorrhiza fungi populations. Rotate with VAM-compatible crops like wheat, rice, or legumes, and apply Nurturkind MYCO to maintain fungal diversity. This ensures long-term mycorrhizae soil health.
Nurturkind MYCO is effective for a wide range of Indian crops, including cereals (rice, wheat, maize), pulses (chickpea, pigeon pea), cash crops (sugarcane, cotton), and horticultural crops (tomato, onion, banana). In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, apply 5-10 kg/ha for fruit crops like pomegranate and mango to enhance root growth and yield.
Test soil for pH and nutrient levels, as extreme acidity or alkalinity, common in Indian soils, can affect VAM efficacy. Maintain a pH of 5.5-7.5 for optimal colonization. In acidic soils of Assam or alkaline soils of Rajasthan, apply Nurturkind MYCO with lime or gypsum to adjust pH.
In India, 96.4 million hectares of land are degraded (ISRO, 2022). Use Nurturkind MYCO for phytoremediation in barren lands of Jharkhand or Chhattisgarh. Inoculate with 8 kg/ha alongside native species like neem or legumes to restore soil fertility and support revegetation.
Nurturkind MYCO, developed by Mankind Agritech, is a premium mycorrhiza biofertilizer tailored for Indian agriculture. With a high concentration of Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) (3500 IP/gm), it contains potent strains like Glomus fasciculatum and Rhizophagus irregularis, optimized for Indian soils. Key benefits include:
By integrating Nurturkind MYCO, farmers can achieve 10-30% yield increases, as demonstrated in trials with sugarcane in Uttar Pradesh and cotton in Gujarat. This aligns with India’s goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2030.
Mycorrhiza fungi, particularly Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM), are revolutionizing sustainable agriculture in India by enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil health, and boosting crop resilience. Nurturkind MYCO from Mankind Agritech empowers farmers to harness these benefits, addressing challenges like soil degradation, water scarcity, and rising input costs. By adopting practices like timely inoculation, minimal tillage, and organic amendments, Indian farmers can maximize the potential of mycorrhizae for plants. Visit mankindag.com to explore Nurturkind MYCO and join the movement toward a greener, more productive agricultural future in India.
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