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In a landmark move that signals India’s growing commitment to sustainable agriculture and science-backed innovation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued another crucial Gazette Notification (CG-DL-E-28052025-263422) dated 26th May 2025. This notification updates Schedule VI of the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), introducing for the first time a comprehensive regulatory framework for biostimulants in India surpassing the European Union in terms of approval of biostimulants. The development is being hailed as a significant milestone that brings clarity, credibility, and momentum to a sector that holds immense promise for the future of Indian farming.
Biostimulants are substances including microorganisms that, when applied to plants or soils, enhance natural processes to improve nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, and crop quality. Their role in increasing agricultural productivity without harming the environment has made them a central pillar of sustainable and climate-resilient farming globally. Until now, however, India’s biostimulant market operated without clear regulatory guidelines, resulting in market confusion, limited adoption, and the unchecked proliferation of unverified products. The lack of precise definitions and enforceable quality standards had created an atmosphere of mistrust among farmers and uncertainty for manufacturers and innovators alike.
With this new development, the government has decisively addressed these challenges. The updated Schedule VI provides a detailed list of approved biostimulant categories, clearly outlining permissible ingredients, formulation requirements, and usage guidelines. It sets out benchmarks for product quality, safety, efficacy, and environmental compatibility, effectively distinguishing legitimate innovations from ineffective or potentially harmful products. This brings welcome transparency to the market, reassuring farmers while encouraging companies to invest in high-quality research for product development.
By establishing science-based norms and expectations, the policy enables the rapid introduction of new biostimulant products that are both safe and effective. This comes at a critical time, as Indian agriculture grapples with intensifying climate challenges, soil degradation, and the need for resource-efficient farming methods. Biostimulants offer farmers a path to improve yields and crop resilience without increasing their reliance on chemical inputs. The Gazette thus strengthens India’s strategic push towards sustainable agriculture and enhances its credibility in the global agri-tech arena.
The notification also promotes a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and investment. With defined regulatory pathways now in place, Indian startups and agri-tech firms can confidently develop, test, and bring new products to market. This opens doors for innovation in biotechnology, fermentation-based formulations, and microbial inputs tailored to India’s diverse agro-climatic zones. The clarity provided by the Gazette encourages responsible innovation and levels the playing field, making room for both established players and emerging enterprises to compete based on quality and performance.
One company that has already made strides under the new framework is Bengaluru-based start-up String Bio, a leader in bio-based sustainable solutions. Four of String Bio’s unique formulations have successfully met the stringent requirements laid out in the Gazette. This accomplishment highlights the company’s scientific rigor and its readiness to manufacture at scale and distribute effective biostimulant products to Indian farmers. String Bio’s approved solutions are designed to improve crop yields, enhance soil health, and reduce the environmental footprint of farming, all goals that are central to the future of agriculture in India. With the regulatory green light in place, String Bio is ready to begin immediate rollout of its biostimulants across India, manufactured in their state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility, offering farmers access to scientifically validated, high-performance products.
The broader market impact of the Gazette cannot be overstated. It sets the stage for a transformation in how agricultural inputs are developed, regulated, and adopted in India. By putting farmers first and ensuring that only vetted, high-quality biostimulants reach the market, the government is reinforcing its commitment to farmer welfare and environmental stewardship. The move also signifies India’s ambition to become a global hub for sustainable agri-tech innovation. It reflects a policy environment that supports long-term value creation over short-term gains and aligns national agricultural priorities with international trends in climate-smart farming. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has shown foresight and responsiveness by addressing a complex, long-pending issue with clarity and resolve. In doing so, the ministry has created a policy framework that balances the twin objectives of encouraging innovation and protecting stakeholders. India’s updated biostimulant regulation opens the door to new technologies that can improve productivity while preserving natural resources. It gives farmers confidence that the products they use are backed by rigorous testing and regulatory oversight. It provides entrepreneurs and scientists with the clarity they need to innovate responsibly. And it sends a clear message to the global community: India is serious about sustainable agriculture, and it is ready to lead.
The Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI), representing around 60% of India’s biologically based agri-input market, has been a consistent advocate for regulatory clarity in the biostimulant sector since the implementation of biostimulant regulations in February 2021. While the Gazette’s rollout addresses a critical gap, challenges remain. Inconsistent Customs and GST policies continue to cause financial and operational hurdles, and the lack of standardized import/export protocols hampers market accessibility and trade.
As Gazette-compliant biostimulants enter the market, the next steps are pivotal: educating farmers on their effective use, fostering collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders, and building capacity for compliance and quality assurance. With a solid regulatory framework now established, there is significant potential for this policy to drive a transformative shift in Indian agriculture, promoting sustainability, innovation, and farmer prosperity.
The Authors are CEO and Associate-Public Policy & Research at Indiatech.org (TSIA) respectively.
