Biostimulants have become one of the most discussed topics in Indian agriculture. These products which are neither fertilizers nor pesticides, are generally meant to help crops grow better, to improve yields and reduce stress on plants caused by heat, drought or pests. They can be made from seaweed, plants, microbes or even animal proteins. At first hand they seem like a blessing for farmers. But in India where agriculture is deeply intertwined with culture, religion and livelihood, the story of biostimulants is far more complex.
What Exactly Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants work differently from chemical fertilizers. Instead of supplying direct nutrients, they enhance the way plants absorb nutrients and respond to stress. Farmers use them on crops like tomatoes, chillies, cotton, grapes, cucumbers and paddy. Some are sprayed on leaves while others are mixed into soil.
In many parts of the world these are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives, helping farmers cut down on heavy chemical use. India too has seen rapid adoption, with the market valued at USD 355.53 million in 2024, expected to reach over USD 1.1 billion by 2032. Big agro-companies like Coromandel International, Syngenta and Godrej Agrovet are already major players in this space
Why Biostimulants are Facing Opposition in India
On 30 September, the Ministry of Agriculture issued a notification removing 11 animal-based biostimulants from the official list of approved products under the schedule VI of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) of 1985. These particular products made from protein hydrolysates derived from animal sources had earlier been approved by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
So why were they withdrawn? The problem lies in ethics, religion and safety. India is home to diverse faiths and communities such as Jains and many sects of Hindus strongly reject animal-derived products in any form. Spraying such products on crops that later enter the food chain risks hurting religious sentiments. Beyond faith there is also a scientific concern. ICAR pointed out that proper data on the “pre-harvest interval”, the safe gap between spraying and harvesting was missing. Without this information consumer safety could not be guaranteed
For years India has struggled with an unregulated flood of biostimulant products. According to Union Agriculture Minister Chouhan, nearly 30,000 unapproved products were being sold unchecked across the country. Even after stricter monitoring began around 8,000 dubious products were still circulating until few years ago. Only after tighter checks, lead the number shrink to about 650.
This unregulated market not only confuses farmers but also exposes them to exploitation. Many farmers end up buying biostimulants without knowing their exact composition or effectiveness. In some cases, sellers exaggerate claims, charging high prices for products that fail to deliver promised results. For small farmers these costs can push them deeper into financial stress.
The Religious and Cultural Angle
What makes India’s biostimulant debate unique is the strong religious and cultural dimension. Unlike Europe or the United States, where the conversation is mostly about environmental safety, in India faith plays a central role. For a devout vegetarian family consuming vegetable treated with animal-derived sprays is not just a dietary issue but a deep cultural violation.
The absence of clear labelling only adds to the problem. Consumers rarely know what kind of biostimulants were used on their food. This lack of transparency risks loosing trust between farmers, sellers and consumers.
Why India Must Act Now
The booming biostimulant market shows that farmers are hungry for solutions beyond traditional fertilizers. But innovation should not come at the cost of ethics or safety. If India allows unchecked growth, the sector could face a backlash that undermines its potential.
Regulation is therefore essential not to create hurdles in innovation, but to safeguard farmers and consumers. Strict scientific trials, transparent labelling and proper safety data are non-negotiable. Farmers must know what they are using and consumers should trust what lands on their plate. India needs policies that balance agricultural progress with cultural harmony.
The journey of Indian farming has always balanced tradition and science. The biostimulant debate is a reminder that while technology can help crops thrive, it must also respect the beliefs and health of the people who eat them.
