NEWS – Biostimulants Under Scrutiny: Agriculture Ministry Tightens Regulation

HIGHLIGHTS

What are Biostimulants?

• Defined under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 as substances or microorganisms (excluding pesticides/plant growth regulators) that:
  • Stimulate plant physiological processes
  • Enhance nutrient uptake, crop yield, and stress tolerance
• Often derived from plant/seaweed extracts or organic waste.

Why Are They Under Scrutiny?

• Forced Tagging:
  • Agriculture Minister flagged complaints of retailers forcing farmers to buy biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers like urea/DAP.
• Efficacy Concerns:
  • Many farmers reported ineffectiveness of products.
  • Minister emphasized biostimulants must demonstrate farmer benefit to be allowed in market.

Market & Regulation:

• Market Size:
  • Valued at USD 355.5 million (2024); projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032 (CAGR: 15.64%).
• Unregulated Growth:
  • Nearly 30,000 products in circulation historically; down to ~650 post-regulation.

Government Action:

• Letter to states banning forced bundling with conventional fertilisers.
• Stronger regulatory enforcement under FCO.
• Aim: Protect farmer interest, ensure scientific validation of products.