Overview

On June 11, 2026, Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) issued a press release from New Delhi highlighting a looming soil health crisis in India. The release cites the Indian Biogas Association’s white paper presented at the BBB Summit 2026, which estimates the nation’s soil organic carbon (SOC) level at approximately 0.4 percent, a figure described as critically low.

Biogas Sector Context

ORSL notes that India’s biogas sector is gaining momentum, driven by a government mandate for Compressed Biogas (CBG), purchases from public‑sector undertakings, and an expanding policy ecosystem, including the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) scheme under which new biomethanation plants are being commissioned nationwide.

ORSL’s Operations and Dual Outputs

According to Yashas Bhand, Whole‑Time Director of ORSL, the company has been operating biomethanation plants for over 18 years across Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and other states. Each plant produces two outputs: Compressed Biogas (CBG) and Fermented Organic Manure (FOM). While CBG enjoys a clear market mandate, ORSL emphasizes that FOM is not a mere by‑product but a distinct product with the potential to address the SOC crisis.

Role of Fermented Organic Manure (FOM)

ORSL describes FOM as a soil conditioner, microbial inoculant, and carbon source combined in a single product. Unlike chemical fertilizers, which supply nutrients but do not restore soil carbon, FOM can replenish carbon lost from the soil. Field trials conducted across diverse agro‑climatic zones have shown that integrating FOM with conventional fertilisation can sustain or enhance crop yields while improving soil health and resilience.

Market Gaps and Policy Recommendations

Despite its benefits, FOM adoption remains fragmented due to the absence of:

  • Uniform quality standards
  • Structured distribution channels
  • Consistent pricing mechanisms
  • Targeted incentive schemes for farmers

ORSL argues that a dedicated regulatory framework for organic inputs, analogous to the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) for conventional fertilizers, is essential. Such a framework would establish standardized quality benchmarks, certification processes, efficient distribution networks, and farmer‑centric incentives, thereby accelerating market development and building confidence across the agricultural value chain.

Call to Action

Bhand stresses that every tonne of organic waste processed in ORSL’s plants returns carbon that was previously stored in Indian soils, positioning FOM as the mechanism to “give carbon back to the soil.” He asserts that the technology and product are already available, and the remaining hurdle is policy will to create a functional market before the soil’s carbon reserves are exhausted.

Disclaimer

The release notes that it is provided under an arrangement with PNN and that PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.