Microbial biofertilizers: A paradigm shift towards agricultural sustainability

The world has changed exponentially from the time of famine to the existent, when food is produced globally to feed a population that is expanding at an exponential rate. The intensification of agriculture through the introduction of mechanical, industrial, and economic inputs has been a hallmark of major agricultural revolutions, which have enabled this transformation. However, the explosion of agricultural inputs consisting of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation brought about by this quick development in agriculture has also resulted in long-term environmental crises. These challenges have highlighted the pressing need to safeguard our communal spaces, especially the environment, by means of a participatory strategy that engages nations everywhere, irrespective of their level of development. One notable effort in this area is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF), which emphasizes the value of utilizing the complementary effects of plant and animal products to improve soil fertility, encourage the growth of beneficial microbes, and improve development of crops. The development of self-sustaining agro-ecosystems is the ultimate goal. Consequently, the world is depending on the use of microbial formulations in agriculture to address the "5F" crisis; food, feed, fuel, fertilizer, and finance. Despite the fact that there are now many studies being conducted in this area, the market need for effective microbial formulations outweigh the supply. Many different microbes have been considered so far for their potential as plant stimulants, but there are still innumerable soil microorganisms that need to be found in order to play a useful role in the formulation companies. The present review deals with improving the broad range of mechanism of microbial formulations, delivery methods, challenges and biosafety issue and assessment for agricultural sustainability that support the sustainable development goals (SDGs).