Market Development Assistance (MDA) for Promotion of Organic Fertilizers
By Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Check your eligibility
Sign up and we'll tell you whether your startup qualifies for this grant.
Quick Answer
The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers provides Market Development Assistance of ₹1,500 per Metric Tonne for entities selling specific organic fertilizers under the GOBARDhan initiative.
- Funding amount
- Varies
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
About this subsidy
The Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme, launched by the Department of Fertilizers under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, is designed to significantly promote the production and sale of organic fertilizers across India. This initiative operates under the broader Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARDhan) umbrella, which supports various Bio-Gas and Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) schemes aimed at converting waste into wealth. The primary objective of the MDA scheme is to provide financial support to manufacturing-cum-marketing entities, CBG operators, Bio-gas operators, marketers, and distributors who produce and sell Fermented Organic Manure (FOM), Liquid Fermented Organic Manure (LFOM), and enriched Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM).
This scheme offers assistance at a rate of ₹1,500 per Metric Tonne for eligible sales, directly incentivizing the market penetration and adoption of these eco-friendly products. Beyond direct sales assistance, the scheme also includes a substantial corpus of ₹3,60,00,00,000 for gap funding in research, although this component is specifically allocated to Central and State Research Institutes or non-private fertilizer cooperatives, rather than individual businesses. Applicants are required to register their manufacturing units on the GOBARDhan portal and ensure their fertilizers conform to the stringent specifications outlined in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). This comprehensive approach aims to bolster the organic farming sector, enhance soil health, and support sustainable agricultural practices nationwide.
The scheme's overall budget outlay stands at an impressive ₹14,51,82,00,000, spanning three financial years from 2023-24 to 2025-26, underscoring the government's long-term commitment to organic fertilizer promotion and rural development.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Subsidy providers
Benefits & Funding
What You Get
The scheme provides Market Development Assistance of ₹1,500 per Metric Tonne for the sale of specific organic fertilizers, including Fermented Organic Manure, Liquid Fermented Organic Manure, and enriched Phosphate Rich Organic Manure. This assistance is paid directly to eligible manufacturing-cum-marketing entities via Direct Benefit Transfer. Additionally, a significant corpus of ₹3,60,00,00,000 is earmarked for research gap funding, to be utilized by Central and State Research Institutes or non-private fertilizer cooperatives to further innovation in organic fertilizer production. The total scheme budget is ₹14,51,82,00,000 for three years, covering FY 2023-24 to FY 2025-26, demonstrating a substantial commitment to boosting the organic fertilizer market.
- Disbursement
- Reimbursement
- Duration
- 37 months
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Applications
Rolling basis
Selection Process
The selection for Market Development Assistance is based on the applicant's compliance with eligibility criteria and adherence to quality and marketing standards. It is not a competitive selection but rather a verification and claims processing system. Applications involve a multi-stage process of registration and data submission through government portals. Key aspects include verifying the establishment and operation of Bio-Gas/CBG plants under the GOBARDhan initiative, ensuring organic fertilizers meet Fertilizer Control Order specifications, and undergoing mandatory quality testing at accredited laboratories. The validated sales data and quality certificates are crucial for generating and submitting claims through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (IFMS) portal. Once compliance and sales are verified, assistance is disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer.
Application Process
- 1
Register on GOBARDhan Portal
Applicant accesses and registers Bio-Gas/CBG units on the Unified Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan portal.
You - 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of the Market Development Assistance scheme?
The primary benefit is a financial assistance of ₹1,500 per Metric Tonne provided to eligible entities for the sale of specific organic fertilizers, disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Which organic fertilizers are eligible for this assistance?
The scheme specifically covers Fermented Organic Manure, Liquid Fermented Organic Manure, and enriched Phosphate Rich Organic Manure that conform to Fertilizer Control Order specifications.
Who can apply for this scheme?
Eligible applicants include manufacturing-cum-marketing entities, Compressed Bio-Gas operators, Bio-gas operators, marketers, and distributors operating under the GOBARDhan initiative and producing organic fertilizers at supported plants.
What are the key registration requirements for the scheme?
Applicants must register their Bio-Gas or Compressed Bio-Gas manufacturing units on the Unified Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan portal and subsequently register on the Integrated Fertilizer Management System (IFMS) portal to receive a unique identification number.
How are claims for Market Development Assistance submitted?
Assistance claims are generated through the Integrated Fertilizer Management System portal using the prescribed Annexure, within two months from the month of sale, along with quality certificates.
Are there any specific conditions for marketing the organic fertilizers?
Yes, marketing entities must clearly print the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) and applicable MDA on bags, ensure state subsidies are passed on to farmers, display constituents and manufacturer details, and avoid sales above printed MRP.
