Lucknow: A microbial technology developed by scientists at the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Regional Research Station, has been transferred to two private firms, paving the way for its wider adoption by farmers across the country.The technology is aimed at reclaiming salt-affected soils and improving crop productivity. The transfer was announced during the 98th Foundation Day celebrations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) on Friday.Developed by a team led by principal soil scientist Sanjay Arora, the technology, Halo-Mix, is a consortium of salt-tolerant, plant growth-promoting bacteria that helps reduce salt stress, improve soil fertility and enhance crop yields in degraded saline and sodic soils.“Field trials have recorded a 14-18% increase in crop yield, besides reducing the requirement for chemical fertilisers by saving 15-20 kg of nitrogen, 10-15 kg of phosphorus and 2-4 kg of zinc per hectare,” said Arora.
