Archive · 20 Jul 2025
India to Scrutinize Biostimulants Used in Agriculture
Imagine biostimulants as plant vitamins.
They help plants grow better and produce more.
The government is now checking them closely.
Some farmers were being forced to buy these along with regular fertilizers, even if they didn't work well.
The government is making sure these 'plant vitamins' are safe and actually help plants.
They are checking what's in them and how well they work.
The goal is to protect farmers and make sure what they buy is useful.
The Indian government is scrutinizing biostimulants used to enhance plant growth.
The Agriculture Minister has instructed states to stop the forced bundling of biostimulants with fertilizers.
Farmers have complained about the ineffectiveness of some biostimulants.
The market for biostimulants in India is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The government is regulating biostimulants through amendments to the Fertilizer Control Order.
- Who
- The Union Agriculture Minister and the Ministry of Agriculture are involved.
- What
- The government is scrutinizing and regulating the sale of biostimulants used in agriculture.
- When
- Recent actions include a letter from the Agriculture Minister and setting specifications for biostimulants in 2021.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To ensure the effectiveness and safety of biostimulants and prevent unfair practices.
Government Concerns
Farmers' Complaints
Forced Tagging
Government Concerns
Concerns regarding retailers bundling biostimulants with fertilizers.
Farmers' Complaints
The practice is considered a potential misuse of market power.
- What are Biostimulants?
- Substances that stimulate plant physiological processes
- Regulating Body
- Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985
- Market Size (2024)
- USD 355.53 million
- Projected Market Size (2032)
- USD 1,135.96 million
- Categories under FCO
- Botanical extracts, bio-chemicals, vitamins, antioxidants, etc.
- Latest Action
- Specifications of Biostimulants notified on May 26 for various crops