The Indian government is set to implement stricter measures to regulate the sale of biostimulants, amid rising concerns about product quality and effectiveness. Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan expressed his concern over the widespread irregularities in the biostimulant sector, emphasizing the need for scientific validation before these products are made available to farmers.

Growing Concerns and Regulatory Response

For many years, biostimulants have been sold in the country with permission for sale being extended annually. However, numerous complaints from farmers suggest that these products often fail to deliver the promised benefits. Minister Chouhan stressed the necessity of thoroughly reviewing biostimulants to assess their actual benefits to farmers. He asserted that sales permits would be revoked for products that do not demonstrate tangible advantages. The government's stance is firm: it will not permit the unregulated sale of biostimulants and will take decisive action against suspicious manufacturers.

To address these issues, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced amendments to the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order (FCO) of 1985. These amendments, particularly the recent updates in 2024 and 2025, aim to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for biostimulants. The goal is to ensure that only scientifically approved and effective products are available to farmers, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing crop productivity.

Key Regulatory Changes

The Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Third Amendment Order, 2024, brought about significant changes in the regulation of biostimulants. These include the addition of "tracer elements" alongside active ingredients in biostimulant specifications to enhance transparency in composition. A new category was also introduced for "live microorganisms excluding biofertilizers and biopesticides" under Schedule VI of the FCO.

The Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed) (Control) Fourth Amendment Order, 2025, further refines the regulatory landscape by introducing updated specifications and tolerance limits for various biostimulant categories under Schedule VI of the principal 1985 Order. This includes clearer guidelines for the composition of humic and fulvic acid, seaweed extract, botanical extract, protein hydrolysates and amino acids, and other biochemicals.

Impact and Future Outlook

These regulatory changes are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the biostimulant market in India. By ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of biostimulants, the government aims to boost farmer confidence and promote the responsible development and marketing of these products. While the increased focus on testing and validation may initially slow down the introduction of new biostimulants, it is expected to benefit farmers in the long run by providing access to reliable and effective products.

The Indian biostimulants market, valued at approximately USD 355–362 million in 2024, is projected to reach USD 1.13 billion to USD 1.2 billion by 2032. The new regulations are expected to drive innovation and investment in the sector, positioning India as a key player in the global biological inputs market.

Enforcement and Compliance

The government is taking strict measures to enforce the new regulations. In Rajasthan, for example, the Agriculture Department uncovered an illegal fertilizer storage operation and seized 319 bags of unauthorized fertilizer stock. Legal action was initiated against the offenders under the Fertilizer Control Order (1985) and the Essential Commodities Act (1955).

Union Minister Chouhan has also directed all Chief Ministers across States and Union Territories to take immediate and strict action against the sale of fake fertilizers, black marketing, and forced tagging of nano and biostimulant products. States have been instructed to ensure adequate fertilizer availability, intensify monitoring to curb illegal practices, conduct regular quality checks, and take strong legal action against offenders.

In conclusion, the government's crackdown on unapproved biostimulant sales reflects a commitment to protecting farmers' interests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. By establishing a robust regulatory framework and ensuring strict enforcement, the government aims to create a transparent and reliable biostimulant market that benefits both farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole.