Consider the following statements regarding Bio-Fertilizers: 1. They are live microbial products that do not contain any nutrients. 2. The micro-organisms present in the bio-fertilizer ensure the availability of nutrients from non-available form present within soil and air to available form which plants can uptake. 3. Bio-fertilizers can improve crop yields by 10-25% and supplement chemical fertilizers.Which of the above statements are correct?

📰 In News
[Heading 2]:
→ There is no proposal to make the use of bio-fertilizers compulsory along with urea. However, bio-fertilizer use is recommended under Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) strategies and organic farming.
→ Bio-Fertilizers:
Bio-fertilizers are live microbial products that do not contain nutrients. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
The microorganisms in bio-fertilizers convert non-available nutrients in the soil and air into forms that plants can absorb. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed improved strains of bio-fertilizers for various crops and soil types.
Bio-fertilizers can improve crop yields by 10-25% and supplement chemical fertilizers by 20-25% without reducing production. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
📌 Important Points
→ 11 bio-fertilizers have been notified under the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985:

Rhizobium
Azotobacter
Azospirillum
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria
Mycorrhizal Bio-fertilizers
Potassium Mobilizing Bio-fertilizers (KMB)
Zinc Solubilizing Bio-fertilizers (ZSB)
Acetobacter
Carrier-Based Consortia
Liquid Consortia
Phosphate Solubilizing Fungus
→ Quality standards for these bio-fertilizers are specified under the FCO, 1985.