FFTC Journal of Agricultural Policy

Technology, Implementation, and Policy Review of Biofertilizers and Biopesticides in the Asian and Pacific Region

Agricultural intensification in Indonesia has largely depended on inorganic fertilizers to  meet the food demands of its rapidly growing population. However, this reliance has resulted in severe environmental challenges including soil degradation, diminished soil fertility, and pollution from chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers, which utilize beneficial microorganisms to promote plant growth and soil health, offer a sustainable alternative for agriculture. This article presents a comprehensive overview of biofertilizers in Indonesia, through bibliometric analysis and literature review examining their development, current status, and effectiveness. It categorizes different types of biofertilizers, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, mycorrhizal fungi, water fern Azolla, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, and biofertilizers, based on local
Biopesticides are essential tools in sustainable agriculture and do not harm the soil, water supply, or wildlife, including beneficial insects. This is one of the main advantages of introducing them into an environmentally friendly farming system. In recent years, the use of biopesticides has increased substantially throughout the world, including Bangladesh, considering human health and environmental factors. With increased environmental awareness, more integrated pest management (IPM) efforts, widening of organic farming, more research and development (R&D) of biopesticides, the use of synthetic pesticides, especially in the case of insecticides, is showing a declining trend, whereas the biopesticide market is growing. Extensive and systematic R&D on the mass production, storage, transport, and application of biopesticides have improved in Bangladesh's public and private
Under the goals of global environmental protection, sustainable production, and food safety, Taiwan’s current agricultural policy focuses on reducing the use of chemical products and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly agricultural products. Furthermore, the applications of beneficial microbial products in the nutritional and health management of agricultural production (including crops, livestock, and fisheries) have become an important R&D objective for both the academia and industry. To meet the product standards of various agricultural production systems and the demands encountered by the industry, the Agricultural Technology Research Institute (ATRI) in Taiwan has formed a collaborative team across the fields of crop, fishery, poultry, and livestock production to develop market competitive agricultural biotechnology products. ATRI collaborates with universities and
Potato scab, caused by Streptomyces spp., poses a significant threat to global potato production, including in Taiwan where cultivation began in 1914. Although historically rare in the region, the disease has increasingly been problematic, particularly after a severe outbreak in 1995. This review synthesizes research on the etiology, transmission, and management of potato scab, highlighting its detrimental effects on yield and quality. Streptomyces spp., the primary pathogens persist in soil and infect tubers primarily through wounds or lenticels. Environmental factors such as moisture and pH play a critical role in disease severity. Preventive strategies including soil flooding, crop rotation with rice, and the use of certified seed potatoes have proven effective. Additionally, advancements in biological control, such as the application of Bacillus subtilis LNP-1, showing promising
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Japan put out a policy as use of chemical pesticides decrease to 50% of values assessing risk of each pesticide to humans until 2050. Bio-pesticides are evaluated to have low risk and are expected to increase the use. A bio-insecticide confirmed to control powdery mildew diseases on vegetable plants in this study. The agent ‘BotaniGard ES’ includes a Beauveria bassiana strain as the effective ingredient. Several test cases controlling the disease with the agent was counted and the agent was legally registered to be used for the disease additive to pest insects in Japan. Expanding a range of target pests including diseases and insects is very desirable for increasing the value of a pesticide. The ingredient fungus in ‘BotaniGard ES’ presumed to induce local resistance to plant leaves. In farming conditions for tomato and strawberry in