Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: INDIAN EXPRESS

Context:

The Union Agriculture Minister wrote to Chief Ministers of all states to immediately stop the “forced tagging” of nano-fertilisers or biostimulants along with conventional fertilisers.

BIOSTIMULANTS

What are biostimulants?

They are special substances or microorganisms that are applied to plants, seeds, or the soil, to make plants grow better, use nutrients more efficiently, and handle stress more effectively.

It works by improving a plant's natural processes, helping it to unlock its full potential.

How do biostimulants work differently from fertilizers and pesticides?

	Biostimulants	Fertilizers	Pesticides
Primary Role	Enhance plant processes, improve stress tolerance	Provide essential nutrients for plant growth	Control pests, weeds, or diseases
Mechanism	Stimulate natural plant functions, improve nutrient uptake, strengthen defenses	Directly supply nutrients the plant absorbs	Kill, repel, or control harmful organisms
Composition	Plant extracts, microbes, humic acids, amino acids	Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients	Chemical compounds designed to be toxic to target organisms
Benefit	Healthier, more resilient plants; better resource use	Stronger, faster growth; higher yields if nutrients are limiting	Protect crops from damage caused by pests or diseases
Environmental Impact	Generally environmentally friendly, reduce chemical use	Can lead to runoff and pollution if overused	Can have negative environmental impacts and harm non-target species

How does India control the quality and sale of biostimulants?

The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, regulates the manufacturing and sale of biostimulants, it defines it as:

a substance or microorganism or a combination of both,
whose primary function when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere is to revive physiological processes in plants and to enhance its nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality and tolerance to stress,
but, does not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticide Act, 1968.

2021 FCO amendment for biostimulants

Official Definition and Types => Defines what a biostimulant is and lists specific types that fall under the regulation.
- Biostimulants specified in Schedule VI of the FCO in eight categories, including botanical extracts (as well as seaweed extracts), bio-chemicals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Mandatory Specifications and Testing => Manufacturers or importers must submit product information to the Controller of Fertilizers, including chemistry, source, shelf-life, reports of bio-efficacy trials, and toxicity.
- No biostimulant should contain any pesticide beyond the permissible limit of 0.01 ppm (parts per million) .
Central Biostimulant Committee => Chaired by the Agriculture Commissioner, advise the government on the registration, manufacturing, and quality control of these products.
Testing Agencies => National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conduct the trials and testing to ensure products are safe and effective.

May 2025 Notification

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare registered 34 new biostimulants under the FCO. This increases the total number of registered biostimulants in India to over 45. India registered its first 11 biostimulants in May 2024.

Major Categories Include:

Seaweed extracts and botanical extracts
Humic and fulvic acid formulations and derivatives
Protein hydrolysates and amino acid blends
Bio-chemicals and vitamin complexes
Cell-free microbial products and enzymatic biostimulants
Antioxidants and anti-transpirants

How big is the biostimulant market?

According to the Market research firm Fortune Business, “The India biostimulants market size was valued at USD 355.53 million in 2024, projected to grow from USD 410.78 million in 2025 to USD 1,135.96 million by 2032.”

What steps are needed for their wider adoption?

Strengthen Farmer Education through Media (like Radio, DD KISAN), workshops, demonstrations, and accessible information.

Ensure Strict Quality Control & Transparency in Sales to ensure that only certified and effective products reach the market.

Promote Research & Development (R&D) for Effective Indigenous Biostimulants, which better suited for Indian soil types, crops, and climate conditions.

Must Read Articles:

Centre Registers 34 Biostimulants

Source: INDIAN EXPRESS

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements in the context of biostimulants:

1. They provide essential nutrients to plants, similar to fertilizers.

2. They enhance a plant's natural processes rather than directly controlling pests.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) Both 1 and 2

D) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Fertilizers directly supply essential nutrients to plants, promoting growth and correcting deficiencies in the soil. However, Biostimulants do not directly provide nutrients, they stimulate a plant's natural abilities to absorb nutrients, manage stress, and grow more efficiently.

Statement 2 is correct: Biostimulants work by stimulating natural processes within plants, which include improving nutrient absorption, enhancing stress tolerance, and increasing overall yield. They improve a plant's response to environmental stressors like drought and heat, and they boost germination, root growth, and nutrient uptake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Biostimulants stimulate internal plant processes for better growth and stress tolerance, while fertilizers directly supply nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.

They enhance plants' natural ability to withstand abiotic stresses like drought, extreme temperatures (heat/cold), and salinity, which are worsening due to climate change.

They include botanical extracts (like seaweed), humic and fulvic acids, microbial cultures, amino acids, vitamins, and certain biochemicals.