Centre planning to administer the unorganized Biostimulant sector

Biostimulants are now governed by the same laws that control fertiliser and other crop nutrients used to boost soil productivity. This will assist in the regulation of the Rs 1,500 crore biostimulant market, which offers farmers improved yields, efficiency, and other benefits through the use of various compounds and microorganisms.

This drugs, unlike fertilizers and pesticides, were previously unregulated and marketed without proof of effectiveness, according to officials. According to them, the government would create a regulatory agency for such goods. The government is preparing to draft guidelines to regulate the usage of biostimulants, according to ET.

According to a senior agriculture ministry official who did not want to be named, “Currently, before biostimulants can be marketed, they must first be licensed with the government and their effectiveness must be demonstrated. Careful labeling would be required, which will include the name of the producer, the products, and the expiration date”. He claims that the need for a regulatory authority has emerged as a result of many businesses producing biostimulants without using an authentic formulation.

“Farmers are being duped and there is no body to certify the potency of growth stimulants. Farmers will get legitimate goods from the regulatory agency, which will help them increase yield per hectare,” he added. The biostimulant market is extremely fragmented, with many minor players competing for recognition. Increasing demand for organic food products will push up demand for organic production, which will drive up demand for biostimulants.

When the industry is controlled, all non-descript players can fade out, leaving only those with genuine formulations to compete. Pesticides do not exceed an acceptable level of 0.01ppm in any biostimulant, according to the official. According to the official, the government can form a central committee to determine if new biostimulants should be used and to establish requirements for different biostimulants.

“This committee will oversee the safety and requirements of all biostimulants, ensuring that only healthy molecules and organic compounds are used in their production,” the official explained.