Issues with Biostimulants

The Union Agriculture Ministry has urged state chief ministers to halt the "forced tagging" of nano-fertilizers or biostimulants with conventional fertilizers. Complaints have been raised by farmers about being compelled to purchase biostimulants along with subsidized fertilizers like urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) and the inefficacy of these products.

Understanding Biostimulants

Biostimulants are substances that stimulate physiological processes in plants, enhancing yield and nutrient uptake. They are produced using plant-derived waste materials and seaweed extracts.

Regulation

• The Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed) Order, 1985, regulates biostimulants, defining them distinctly from pesticides or plant growth regulators.

Challenges in Biostimulant Use

Approximately 30,000 unchecked biostimulant products were previously available, with recent regulatory checks reducing this number to around 650. Biostimulants were sold without government approval due to classification issues.

Regulatory Framework

In 2021, the Fertiliser Control Order was amended to include biostimulants, enabling regulated manufacturing, sale, and import.

Specifications and Testing

• Efficacy and toxicity tests are required for biostimulants, including acute and eco-toxicity tests.
• The Central Biostimulant Committee advises on new biostimulant inclusion, specifications, and testing methods.