The Indian government has reversed its decision to approve animal protein-based biostimulants for crops. These products, used to boost plant growth and yield, will no longer be sold. This change affects biostimulants derived from sources like chicken feathers, pig tissue, and fish scales.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare issued a notification on September 30, removing 11 specific biostimulants from its approved list. These were previously cleared for use on crops such as paddy, tomato, potato, cucumber, and chilli. The withdrawal comes after concerns were raised about religious and dietary restrictions.
Officials stated that the decision was made following complaints from individuals belonging to the Hindu and Jain communities. These communities have specific dietary and religious beliefs that may conflict with the use of animal-derived products in agriculture.
Biostimulants are substances that help plants improve nutrient uptake, growth, and resilience to stress. They are different from fertilisers, as they do not provide nutrients directly, and they are not pesticides, meaning they do not control pests. The biostimulants in question are typically protein hydrolysates, which are made by breaking down proteins. These can come from plant sources like soy or maize, or from animal sources.
The Indian biostimulants market is growing, with an estimated value of over $355 million in 2024. Several large companies are involved in the production of these products in India.
This move is part of the government’s effort to regulate the biostimulant sector. Until 2021, these products were sold without specific rules. The government then introduced regulations requiring companies to register their products and prove their safety and effectiveness. Products needed to be approved before June 16, 2025, if applications for approval were submitted.
The Union Agriculture Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has previously highlighted concerns about the large number of unregulated biostimulant products in the market. Stricter checks have led to a significant reduction in the number of products available.
The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) stated that approval for these animal-source biostimulants has been put on hold. The ICAR Director-General mentioned that no new categories of biostimulants that were not already in the market were recommended for marketing. To address ethical issues and potential conflicts with religious and dietary practices, the use of protein hydrolysates from animal sources is being reviewed. Data on pre-harvest intervals (the time between application and harvesting) is needed, especially when biostimulants are sprayed directly onto leaves.
This decision aims to ensure that agricultural practices in India are sensitive to the cultural and religious beliefs of its diverse population, while also working towards a more structured and safe market for agricultural inputs.