Fertilisers Biostimulants

Context:

The Union Government has officially notified 34 biostimulants to promote indigenous bio-input manufacturing and support sustainable agriculture.

What are Biostimulants?

• Biostimulants are naturally derived substances (biological, organic, or biochemical) that enhance plant growth, improve resilience, and boost nutrient uptake—especially under stress conditions like drought, heat, or pest attacks.

• Unlike conventional fertilizers (which supply nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium), biostimulants work by stimulating plant metabolism and improving nutrient-use efficiency.

Objectives

• Improve crop quality, yield, and stress tolerance
• Reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• Support climate-resilient and sustainable farming

Categories of Biostimulants

1. Biological – e.g., Seaweed Extracts
2. Organic Compounds – e.g., Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid
3. Protein-Based Compounds – e.g., Amino Acid Blends
4. Biochemicals – e.g., Antioxidants, Anti-transpirants

Regulation and Legal Status

• Regulated by: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
• Legal Framework: Under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985
• Recognition: Biostimulants were officially classified as a separate agri-input category in 2021

Significance

• Enhances plant health and nutrient efficiency
• Helps crops tolerate abiotic stress (e.g., drought, salinity, heat)
• Supports climate-smart agriculture
• Reduces soil degradation from excessive chemical usage

Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985

• Enacted under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955
• Ensures:
  • Quality standards of fertilizers and agri-inputs
  • Prevention of adulterated or substandard products
  • Regulation of:
    • Nutrient content (N, P, K)
    • Physical traits (color, granule size, texture)
    • Toxicity and impurity levels