Microbial consortia boost yield for paddy farmer

For the last two years, S. Parthiban, 45, a farmer of Chidambaram in Cuddalore district watched his paddy yields stagnate despite investing money in chemical fertilizers. He faced the same frustrating reality every harvest season.The turning point came in 2025, when Parthiban was introduced to the concept of microbial consortia - a balanced mixture of beneficial bacteria and fungi at a workshop organised by the Chidambaram Area Progressive Farmers Association.Though most of the farmers were hesitant, Parthiban decided to try them on his four-acre paddy farm in Chidambaram.

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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.