The Soil Microbiology Program started in 1981 as an Inoculant Production Facility under the (then) Department of Animal Husbandry at Serbithang. The program produced Rhizobium inoculants for pasture legumes. With the onset of restructuring within the Ministry of Agriculture, the IPU was transferred to the National Plant Protection Centre (NPPC) at Semtokha where inoculant production continued. In 1999 the program was relocated to NSSC and thereafter has been fully engaged in the NSSC programs.
Program Mandates
- Formulate and promote organic and biological sources of plant nutrients.
- Improve biological soil health and sustain agricultural ecosystems.
- Design and standardize technologies, technical guidelines, and protocols for soil biology.
- Conduct dedicated research and development focused on belowground biodiversity.
Manpower
- Laboratory Officers: 3
- Laboratory Technicians: 2
Service Provided
The Program has the following capabilities to:
- Production and distribution of high-quality microbial inoculants.
- Production, quality-control testing, and supply of Effective Microorganism (EM) solution.
- Analytical quality testing of compost and commercial biofertilizer samples.
- Laboratory isolation and characterization of beneficial soil microorganisms.
- Provision of technical field application guidance and guidelines for biological inputs.
- Technical backstopping and advisory support for vermicomposting initiatives.
- Conducting technical training and capacity-building workshops for extension staff and farming communities.