For years, chemical fertilisers and pesticides were seen as saviours for Indian agriculture. They were key to the Green Revolution, helping feed a huge population. But now, using too much of these chemicals is harming our farms. In 2023-24, the average use of fertilisers across India was about 139.81 kg per hectare. In some states, like Punjab, farmers used almost double this amount (247.61 kg/ha). This overuse is causing major problems. Soil fertility is dropping, the environment is getting polluted, farmers are spending more on inputs, and people’s health is at risk. Also, about 19% of greenhouse gases from agriculture come from chemical fertilisers. This traps farmers in a costly cycle, made worse by climate change.
Biostimulants offer a new, eco-friendly solution. They are special substances or tiny living things that help plants grow naturally, without adding nutrients directly. Their job is to help plants take in nutrients better, cope with stress, improve the quality of crops, and become stronger against climate challenges. The benefits of biostimulants go beyond just boosting yield. They also help the environment:
* **Better Nutrient Use:** Plants absorb and use nutrients more efficiently.
* **Healthier Soil:** They help store carbon in the soil, making it stronger and more fertile.
* **Climate Ready Crops:** Plants can better handle dry spells, salty soil, and extreme temperatures.
* **More Biodiversity:** They support beneficial soil microbes, creating a better ecological balance.
* **Waste to Value:** Many biostimulants are made from farm and food waste, turning trash into useful products.
These benefits align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, such as ‘Zero Hunger’ and ‘Climate Action’. This makes biostimulants a vital part of green farming. However, not many farmers use them yet. Farmers are often unsure if they work as well as regular chemicals. This is because:
* **Lack of Information:** Farmers don’t know enough about them.
* **Scientific Gaps:** We still need to understand exactly how they affect plants.
* **Mixed Results:** They might not work the same everywhere due to different soils and climates.
* **Weak Support:** Farming advisory services need to do more demonstrations.
* **Bad Products:** Many unapproved or low-quality products have confused farmers.
To fix these issues, the Indian government brought biostimulants under a new rule in February 2021. This rule, part of the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), classifies them into nine types. Initially, many products had temporary approval. But after a three-year period, most expired. Now, only 132 thoroughly tested products are approved. These are mostly used for high-value crops like vegetables (50%), cereals (18%), pulses and oilseeds (15%), and fruits (9%). The most common types are protein hydrolysates, humic substances, and seaweed extracts. To get approved, companies must provide proof of effectiveness in different regions, show they are safe, and detail their chemical makeup.
Seaweed extracts are a major part of the global biostimulant market. India has huge potential for seaweed farming, which offers many benefits:
* **Farming:** Improves plant growth, root strength, and resistance to diseases and stress.
* **Food:** Provides valuable ingredients for food products.
* **Animals:** Acts as a healthy feed supplement.
* **Health & Beauty:** Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
* **Industry:** A source for bioplastics and biofuels.
Seaweed farming needs very few resources – no fresh water, no fertilisers, and no farmland. It’s estimated that one hectare of seaweed can bring in over Rs 13 lakh per year. It can also create jobs, especially for women in coastal areas. Despite this potential, India’s current seaweed production is very small compared to what’s possible. Problems include poor supply chains, lack of transport, weak storage, limited training, and risks like pests and weather.
Agriculture in India is at a critical point. Continuing with heavy chemical use will deplete our resources. Biostimulants offer a more sustainable path. To make them successful, we need:
* **Farmer Training:** More awareness programmes and field demonstrations.
* **Research:** More studies on how biostimulants work and how to create specific products.
* **Government Support:** Easier approvals, strict quality control, and help for new businesses.
* **Better Infrastructure:** Facilities to process raw materials like seaweed and farm waste.
* **Financial Help:** Loans or subsidies for farmers who switch to biostimulants.
* **Partnerships:** Encouraging startups and working with international companies.
Biostimulants can reduce reliance on chemicals, make farming more resilient to climate change, and increase profits. By combining new ideas, supporting farmers, and having strong rules, India can become a leader in biostimulants while ensuring food security in an environmentally friendly way.