Why in News?

• In response to an increase in complaints regarding the effectiveness of biostimulants and regulatory infractions, the Union Agriculture Minister has instructed states to stop the forced sale of these products.

  • In accordance with the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985, the Centre is strengthening regulatory oversight of biostimulants through updated specifications.

Concerning Biostimulants:
• Without being categorised as fertilisers or pesticides, biostimulants are compounds or microorganisms that, when added to plants or soil, improve nutrient uptake, plant growth, yield, and stress resistance.

Important Features:
• Non-nutrient input: They promote physiological processes in plants, in contrast to fertilisers.
• Originating in nature: Frequently derived from microorganisms, seaweed extracts, or plant leftovers.
• Not an alternative to pesticides: They are subject to separate FCO regulations and do not directly control pests.
• Crop-specific effectiveness: Used for particular crops, such as chillies, brinjal, onions, and paddy.

Regulatory Structure:
• Lawful Support: Added by amendment in February 2021 to the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985.
• Must adhere to eco-safety trials, bio-efficacy studies, and toxicity tests.

Required Examinations:
• Five tests for acute toxicity (oral, dermal, inhalation, eye, and skin).
• Four tests of ecotoxicity (on earthworms, fish, birds, and honeybees).
• Trials using three distinct dosages at three agro-ecological zones during a season.

The Agriculture Ministry Established:
• The Central Biostimulant Committee in 2021 for a five-year term.
• Provides guidance on lab standards, testing procedures, and product approvals.

Current Issues & Government Action:
• Retailers are pressuring farmers to purchase biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers, according to reports of misuse.
• Prohibition of unregistered goods: Only 650 of the 30,000+ unregulated products are now allowed.
• Deadline lapsed in March 2024: Unsold stocks are no longer eligible for sale after provisional licenses expired.
• Crop-specific specifications: May 2025 notification for soybean, cotton, paddy, tomato, chilli, and more.

The Expanding Biostimulant Market in India:
• Estimated to be worth USD 1.13 billion by 2032, from USD 410 million in 2025.
• Driven by the need for climate-resilient and low-input sustainable farming methods.