Biostimulants in Agriculture

Biostimulants in Agriculture

Why in News? 

Recently, the government has taken strong steps to regulate biostimulants in farming after farmers raised concerns about their quality and effectiveness. This move comes as the Centre focuses on setting clearer rules and tighter checks to protect farmers’ interests under Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.

What are Biostimulants in Agriculture? 

• About: Biostimulants are natural or synthetic substances that help plants grow by stimulating biological processes. They are not classified as pesticides or fertilizers. They support plant health in many ways, including improving soil structure, increasing nutrient use efficiency, and enhancing resistance to drought or heat.

• • • In India, the use of biostimulants has increased after 2015 due to climate challenges and changing soil conditions. 
    • According to the Ministry of Agriculture, over 1,500 biostimulant products were registered under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), 1985, by 2023.
    • Many farmers have noticed higher yields and better quality produce after using biostimulants. 
    • A 2021 study by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) showed that using biostimulants increased crop productivity by 12–20% in selected trials.

• Benefits: Biostimulants offer many benefits to both crops and soil. They do not replace fertilizers but work with them to make farming more effective. 

• • • These products help crops survive tough weather conditions like drought, heat, and cold. 
    • They also support better root growth and make plants absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.
    • Some biostimulants feed beneficial soil microbes. This improves nutrient cycling and helps reduce the need for chemical inputs. 
    • As soil health declines in many areas, these products offer a useful way to restore balance without heavy use of synthetic fertilizers.

• Types: Biostimulants come in various forms. Each type works in a different way to help crops. 

• • Humic and Fulvic Acids – These improve soil structure and help plants take up nutrients better. They also support root development.
  • Seaweed Extracts – These are rich in natural plant hormones. They help plants cope with stress and grow faster. India imports large amounts of seaweed extracts from countries like Norway and China.
  • Protein Hydrolysates – These contain amino acids and peptides. They boost plant growth and help plants handle stress more effectively.
  • Microbial Biostimulants – These include helpful bacteria or fungi. They improve soil life and help plants access nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. Products with Rhizobacteria and Mycorrhizae are examples.
  • Chitosan and Other Biopolymers – These trigger plant defense systems. They help protect crops from diseases and reduce dependence on pesticides.
  • Inorganic Compounds – Some include silicon or zinc-based substances that help plants build stronger cells and resist pressure from pests and environment.

Also Read: Agritech for Women Farmers

India’s Growing Biostimulant Market

• India’s biostimulant market is witnessing strong year-on-year growth. 
• According to Fortune Business Insights, the market was worth around USD 355.53 million in 2024. 
• The Indian biostimulant market is projected to grow to USD 410.78 million by 2025, showing strong momentum in the agricultural input sector.
• By 2032, this market is likely to reach USD 1,135.96 million, backed by a consistent annual growth rate of 15.64%.
• States like Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu are leading in the usage of these products. Farmers in these regions see biostimulants as a low-cost and eco-friendly alternative.
• As per official reports, over 30,000 biostimulant products were available in the Indian market for many years without proper validation.
• These products were sold freely across states, and farmers often had no way to verify their effectiveness. Even after the introduction of some basic guidelines, around 8,000 unapproved biostimulant products were still in use between 2020 and 2024.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) are also playing a role by promoting certified biostimulants and showing their results through demonstration plots.

Government Actions and Policy Measures on Biostimulants in India

• Legal Framework: Biostimulants in India are regulated through the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, framed under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This order gives the government power to manage the production, distribution, and sale of fertilizers and similar inputs.

• The Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare oversees the implementation of this regulation. In February 2021, an important amendment included biostimulants as a separate category under the FCO. 

• By 2024 and 2025, the FCO underwent further revisions to tighten the process of registration and sale. These updates aimed to close loopholes.

• Mandatory Testing: To protect crop health and soil safety, the government made it compulsory for biostimulant products to pass multiple tests.

• • • Current norms require every biostimulant product to pass five toxicity checks covering ingestion, skin contact, inhalation, and effects on eyes and skin.
    • In addition, four eco-toxicity tests are mandatory to assess the product’s impact on fish, birds, bees, and earthworms.
    • Field trials are another essential part of the process. Every product must be tested in three agro-ecological zones during a cropping season and at three different dosage levels. 

• Central Biostimulant Committee: To guide and oversee this regulatory process, the Central Biostimulant Committee was established in 2021 under the Ministry of Agriculture. This committee was given a five-year term and assigned several important duties. The committee’s main role is to evaluate new biostimulant products and recommend testing protocols.

• Provisional Certificates: On May 26, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture released a new set of specifications for biostimulant use on different crops. These included major food and commercial crops like paddy, cotton, soybean, maize, tomato, chilli, cucumber, potato, grape, brinjal, green gram, hot pepper, and onion.
• Organic Farming Programs: The push for regulated biostimulants also supports India’s broader goals of sustainable agriculture. Several initiatives like the National Project on Organic Farming (2004), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, and the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for Northeastern Region (MOVCDNER) aim to promote eco-friendly inputs.