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
- Biological – e.g., Seaweed Extracts
- Organic Compounds – e.g., Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid
- Protein-Based Compounds – e.g., Amino Acid Blends
- 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