The Ministry of Agriculture issued a notification through the Extraordinary Gazette and approved 34 new biostimulants, taking the total count to over 45.

• Biostimulants were first included in the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) as a special fertiliser category in 2021.
• Schedule VI of the Fertilizer Control Amendment Order, 2021 makes it mandatory for manufacturers and importers to register biostimulants before selling them.

What Are Biostimulants?

• Biostimulants (also called Plant conditioners) are natural or biological products that help plants grow by improving nutrient absorption and resistance to stress. 
• They include:
  • Seaweed extracts
  • Humic and fulvic acid formulations
  • Protein hydrolysates and amino acids
  • Vitamins and antioxidants
  • Microbial and enzymatic biostimulants
  • Beneficial fungi (e.g. mycorrhizae)
  • Beneficial bacteria (e.g. Rhizobacteria)
• They enhance plant growth, improve tolerance to abiotic stresses, and increase yield and quality.
  • Abiotic stresses include drought, salinity, cold, and extreme temperatures.
  • These factors significantly reduce plant growth and food productivity.They also help reduce the need for fertilizers.
• They do not include pesticides or plant growth regulators, which are covered under the Insecticides Act, 1968.
• Biostimulants fit well with organic farming because they focus on keeping nature balanced, improving soil health, and using fewer artificial chemicals..

Benefits of Biostimulants

• Help plants fight climate challenges, including biotic (pests, diseases) and abiotic stress (drought, heat).
• Improve the absorption of existing soil nutrients.
• Reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
• Provide stronger and healthier crops.