Understanding Biofertilisers: Types, Benefits and Their Role in National Food Security

In the midst of global food crisis threats due to geopolitical dynamics, biofertilisers are increasingly being introduced as a solution to support national food security and reduce dependence on imports.

This innovation, including the plant-based liquid biofertiliser product Pureplant developed by Indoraya Mitra Persada 168 and PT Intani Bumi Lestari, is presented to increase agricultural productivity while sustainably improving soil quality.

In general, biofertilisers are divided into two types based on their microorganism content: those with single microorganisms and those with compound microorganisms. Biofertilisers with single microorganisms contain only one type of microbe, such as Rhizobium, which functions as a nitrogen fixer. Meanwhile, compound biofertilisers contain more than three types of microorganisms that work synergistically to enhance soil fertility.

Additionally, biofertilisers are also distinguished by their form, namely liquid and solid. Liquid biofertilisers are generally used practically in field applications, while solid biofertilisers in powder form are used for specific needs according to land conditions.

The President Director of PT Indoraya Mitra Persada 168, Pamrihadi, stated that the development of biofertilisers is part of efforts to strengthen the national agricultural ecosystem while supporting the government’s food self-sufficiency programme.

“We support the food self-sufficiency programme through the provision of biofertilisers as an important part of the national agricultural ecosystem,” said Pamrihadi in a written statement on Thursday (30/4/2026).

From the benefits perspective, biofertilisers have several main functions, one of which is increasing the availability of nutrients in the soil. The microorganisms contained within them can produce compounds that help dissolve nutrients, fix nutrients from the air, and break down bonds that make nutrients difficult for plants to absorb.

In addition, biofertilisers also serve as soil conditioners. Referring to Minister of Agriculture Regulation Number 2 of 2006, biofertilisers can improve soil fertility through the decomposition of organic materials, making macro and micro nutrients more easily absorbed by plants.

Another benefit is sustainably increasing land productivity. With healthier soil conditions, plant nutrient needs can be met more optimally, resulting in better plant growth.