Understanding Biostimulants in India: Regulation and Market Growth

BIOSTIMULANTS IN INDIA: REGULATION, MARKET GROWTH, AND GOVERNMENT SCRUTINY

Biostimulants are increasingly becoming a key component in sustainable agriculture, helping farmers enhance crop productivity and soil health. However, with rapid market expansion and misuse concerns, the Government of India has tightened their regulation under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985. Here’s a detailed overview of their definition, regulation, testing norms, and market potential.

1. What are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants are substances or microorganisms applied to plants, seeds, or soil to enhance growth, nutrient absorption, stress resistance, and overall crop quality. Unlike fertilizers or pesticides, they stimulate internal plant processes rather than providing nutrients directly or controlling pests.

Sources Include:

• Plant waste (e.g., crop residue)
• Seaweed extracts
• Microbial cultures
• Natural biochemicals

2. Why is the Government Scrutinising Biostimulants?

The Central Government intervened due to rising complaints and misuse in the agriculture market. Key reasons include:

• Forced Tagging: Retailers reportedly compelled farmers to buy biostimulants along with subsidised fertilizers such as urea and DAP.
• Inefficacy Complaints: Farmers reported poor or no visible benefits after application.
• Unchecked Proliferation: Over 30,000 unregulated biostimulant products were in circulation. Even after regulation, around 8,000 remained active until recently.

3. How are Biostimulants Regulated?

Before 2021, biostimulants were not covered under any central law. In 2021, the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 was amended to bring them under national regulation.

Regulatory Milestones:

• 2011: Punjab & Haryana High Court observations led to state-level monitoring.
• 2017: NITI Aayog and the Agriculture Ministry began drafting a national framework.
• 2021: FCO amendment officially included biostimulants under central regulation.

4. Classification under FCO

Biostimulants are listed under Schedule VI of the FCO, grouped into eight categories such as:

• Botanical extracts (including seaweed)
• Biochemicals
• Amino acids
• Vitamins
• Antioxidants

5. Safety and Testing Requirements

Manufacturers must submit detailed data and scientific trials before approval, including:

Required Documentation:

• Source details (plant, microbial, or synthetic)
• Shelf-life information
• Bio-efficacy trial results
• Toxicity and eco-toxicity data

Mandatory Tests:

Acute Toxicity (Animal Tests):

• Oral, dermal, and inhalation toxicity (rats)
• Eye and skin irritation (rabbits)

Eco-Toxicity (Environmental Tests):

• Birds
• Freshwater fish
• Earthworms
• Honeybees

Residue Limit: Pesticide contamination must not exceed 0.01 ppm.

Trial Standards: Bio-efficacy trials must be conducted at three doses, across three locations and one crop season.

6. Central Biostimulant Committee

Established in April 2021 for a five-year term, the Central Biostimulant Committee advises the government on:

• Inclusion of new biostimulant products
• Testing and analysis protocols
• Minimum laboratory standards
• Sampling and quality analysis procedures

7. Status of Provisional Registration

• The 2021 FCO amendment allowed companies provisional registration for two years.
• This period was extended multiple times by the Agriculture Ministry.
• The final extension (March 17, 2025) expired on June 16, 2025.
• After expiry, companies with lapsed provisional certificates cannot sell remaining stocks in the market.

8. Size and Potential of the Market

According to Fortune Business Insights:

• 2024: Market valued at USD 355.53 million
• 2025: Projected at USD 410.78 million
• 2032: Expected to reach USD 1,135.96 million
• CAGR: 15.64% during the forecast period

9. Latest Developments

On May 26, 2025, the Centre notified crop-specific biostimulant specifications for:

• Tomato, chilli, paddy, brinjal
• Maize, cotton, soybean, grape
• Potato, onion, green gram, hot pepper

Synopsis

Biostimulants, once freely marketed as plant growth enhancers, are now strictly regulated under the FCO (1985) to ensure product quality and farmer safety. As the market grows rapidly, the government’s oversight aims to eliminate unsafe and ineffective formulations while promoting innovation in sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.