India’s Union Agriculture Ministry recently directed all states to halt the forced bundling of biostimulants with conventional fertilisers. This move follows complaints that farmers were compelled to buy biostimulants to access subsidised fertilisers like urea and DAP. The Ministry also raised concerns about the limited effectiveness of many biostimulant products. This directive comes amid growing scrutiny of the biostimulant sector, which has expanded rapidly without adequate regulation.
What Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms that enhance plant physiological processes. They improve nutrient uptake, growth, yield, and stress tolerance. Common sources include plant waste and seaweed extracts. Unlike pesticides or growth regulators, biostimulants do not directly kill pests or control growth but support plant health and productivity.
Market Size and Growth
India’s biostimulant market was valued at about USD 355 million in 2024. It is expected to triple by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 15.64%. The sector’s rapid expansion has seen thousands of products enter the market, many without proper testing or approval. Recent government efforts have reduced the number of unregulated products from thousands to around 650.
Regulatory Background
Biostimulants were not initially covered under India’s fertiliser or pesticide laws. The Fertiliser (Control) Order of 1985 and the Insecticides Act of 1968 govern fertilisers and pesticides respectively. In 2011, courts recommended state-level regulation of bioproducts claiming fertiliser or pesticide effects. The central government began formal regulation in 2017 and amended the Fertiliser Control Order in 2021 to include biostimulants.
Regulatory Framework Under Fertiliser Control Order
The 2021 amendment classifies biostimulants into eight categories, including botanical extracts and bio-chemicals. Manufacturers must apply for approval submitting product chemistry, source, shelf-life, bio-efficacy, and toxicity data. Toxicity tests cover oral, dermal, inhalation, skin and eye irritation, plus ecotoxicity on birds, fish, bees, and earthworms. Pesticide contamination must not exceed 0.01 ppm. Bio-efficacy trials are mandatory across multiple doses and agro-ecological zones.
Central Biostimulant Committee
A committee formed in 2021 advises the government on biostimulant inclusion, specifications, sample testing, laboratory standards, and testing methods. It ensures scientific oversight and regulatory compliance for the sector.
Recent Government Actions
The government had allowed provisional registration for biostimulant sales for two years, repeatedly extended until March 2025. After the latest extension expired in June 2025, companies without full registration cannot legally sell biostimulants. The Ministry also issued crop-specific biostimulant specifications for major crops like tomato, paddy, cotton, and maize to standardise product quality.
Impact on Farmers and Market
The government’s crackdown aims to protect farmers from forced purchases of ineffective products. It also seeks to ensure biostimulants deliver real agronomic benefits. The evolving regulatory framework will likely improve product quality and market transparency.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss in the light of recent regulatory changes, how does the inclusion of biostimulants under the Fertiliser Control Order impact agricultural sustainability in India?
- Analyse the role of government regulation in balancing market growth and consumer protection in the Indian agricultural inputs sector. Taking examples from fertiliser and pesticide regulation, discuss the challenges and solutions.
- Examine the significance of bio-efficacy and toxicity testing in ensuring safe agricultural practices. How do these tests contribute to environmental protection and farmer welfare?
- Critically discuss the impact of rapid market expansion of agricultural inputs like biostimulants on small and marginal farmers. What policy measures can mitigate adverse effects while promoting innovation?
