India’s next agricultural revolution is poised to grow from nature itself. While the first Green Revolution relied heavily on chemical fertilisers and irrigation to achieve food security, the new phase — often called Green Revolution 2.0 — focuses on restoring soil health and enhancing climate resilience. This transformation is being driven by bio-based inputs such as seaweed extracts, beneficial microbes, and plant-derived compounds. These biostimulants promise a cleaner, more traceable form of agriculture aligned with global sustainability goals.
Biostimulants are natural substances or microorganisms that enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress resistance. Unlike fertilisers, which only supply nutrients, biostimulants improve the overall vitality of both soil and plants, leading to better productivity and sustainability.
Biostimulants rejuvenate degraded soils, enhance microbial activity, and stimulate root development. These effects lead to healthier crops with improved yields, greater nutrient efficiency, and higher tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity.
The global biostimulant market is projected to grow from USD 4.03 billion in 2024 to nearly USD 10 billion by 2032. This rapid expansion is driven by increasing demand for eco-labelled and residue-free food products across the world.
Among various types, seaweed extracts dominate the global market with around 41% share, followed by humic substances, amino acids, and protein hydrolysates. India’s extensive coastline offers huge potential for large-scale seaweed cultivation and processing.
With rising input costs, soil degradation, and climate-related stress, Indian farmers are turning toward sustainable and affordable solutions. Biostimulants enable residue-free farming, enhance soil fertility, and support climate-resilient agriculture — particularly beneficial for export-oriented crops.
The Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 2021 formally recognised biostimulants and introduced registration and quality control regulations. The government is also promoting standardisation, conducting quality checks, and launching awareness campaigns to encourage their safe and effective use across the country.
Despite growing interest, challenges such as limited awareness, inadequate technical guidance, and slow regulatory clearances persist. Many farmers also lack access to proper training and extension services necessary for adopting these innovative inputs effectively.
By helping farmers produce green, traceable, and chemical-free crops, biostimulants can position India as a global hub for sustainable agri-exports. This also opens opportunities for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs in the bio-input sector.
Regions such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are at the forefront of seaweed cultivation. Both public and private sector projects are being developed to expand seaweed farming, processing, and value-added production.
Biostimulants support India’s long-term vision of climate-smart agriculture by reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and restoring soil biodiversity. They help maintain productivity while safeguarding the environment — ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
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