Government Directs States to Authorize Sale of Bistimulants Under FCO
15 March 2025, New Delhi: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a directive on March 11, 2025, to all State and Union Territory governments to ensure the proper implementation of biostimulant regulations under the Fertiliser (Control) Order (FCO), 1985. The directive follows the inclusion of 11 biostimulants in Schedule VI of the FCO, as per notification SO No. 3922(E) dated September 12, 2024.
The notification mandates that all manufacturers, wholesalers, dealers, and retailers engaged in the sale of fertilisers, including biostimulants, must obtain an authorization letter as per Clause 7/8 of the FCO, 1985. This measure aims to regulate and streamline the trade of biostimulants in line with other fertiliser products.
With biostimulants now formally recognized under Schedule VI, state governments have been instructed to issue authorization letters to businesses involved in the manufacturing and sale of these products. The directive ensures that biostimulants are marketed in a regulated manner, maintaining quality standards and preventing unauthorized sales.
The move is expected to enhance the adoption of biostimulants, which are gaining traction for their role in improving crop productivity and soil health. State authorities have been urged to take prompt action to facilitate compliance and ensure that all stakeholders adhere to the guidelines.
Biostimulants in Schedule VI includes botanical extracts, including seaweed extracts, bio-chemicals, protein hydrolysates and amino acids, vitamins, cell free microbial products, antioxidants, anti-transpirants, humic and fulvic acid and their derivatives.
Previous State-Level Decisions on Biostimulants
The Commissionerate of Agriculture, Maharashtra State, Pune, had earlier issued a directive on February 3, 2025, halting the production and sale of biostimulants in the state. The directive referenced the Central Government’s Standing Orders No. S.O.882 (E) and S.O.795 (E), which initially granted provisional G-2 and G-3 certificates to biostimulant manufacturers and sellers. However, these certificates expired on February 22, 2025, prompting the Maharashtra government to cease all production and sales until further guidance was received from the central government. Manufacturers and distributors were also required to submit details of their existing stock for further regulatory evaluation.
In contrast, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir took a different approach. In a notification dated February 27, 2025, the Deputy Director of Law Enforcement, Kashmir, instructed all Fertilizer Inspectors in the Kashmir division to implement the amendments introduced under the Central Government’s Order S.O.3922 (E). Unlike Maharashtra, which halted sales entirely, Jammu and Kashmir permitted the liquidation of existing biostimulant stock under FCO 1985 regulations, allowing businesses to continue their operations within a regulated framework.
Given the central government’s latest directive, all states are now expected to follow uniform regulations, ensuring consistent access and quality control nationwide. The new measures are aimed at eliminating regulatory uncertainty, maintaining a structured biostimulant market across the country.
Also Read: Trump’s Tariff Threat: Implications for India’s Agricultural Trade
📢 Reach Farmers, Share Your Story, and Grow Your Brand!
Got news to share? A company story to highlight? Looking to launch an impactful advertising campaign? Connect with us at info@krishakjagat.org or nimishgangrade@krishakjagat.org and make your mark!
📢 Connect with 100+ Million Farmers! India’s leading farmers rely on Krishak Jagat’s Hindi website for trusted agriculture news, advisory and insights. Click here to explore!
