BIOSTIMULANTS and FERTILIZER ORDER
#biostimulants #sustainableagriculture #agriculture
Biostimulants are natural or biologically derived substances that enhance plant growth and resilience, especially under both biotic and abiotic stress conditions like drought, heat or pests.
Unlike traditional fertilizers (which provide direct nutrients like N, P, K), biostimulants improve nutrient uptake efficiency & boost plant metabolism.
Category of biostimulants:
Biological (Seaweed Extracts),
Organic (Humic, Fulvic Acid),
Protein based compounds (Amino Acid Blends),
Bio-chemicals (Antioxidants, Anti-transpirants), etc.
Regulated by:
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under FERTILISER CONTROL ORDER (FCO), 1985.
In 2021, biostimulants were officially added as a distinct category of Agri-inputs.
FERTILIZER CONTROL ORDER 1985
Issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 TO REGULATE THE QUALITY, PRICING & DISTRIBUTION of fertilizers in India.
It ensures that fertilizers meet minimum quality standards to protect farmers and crops.
Prevents sale of substandard or adulterated fertilizers that degrade soil health & crop productivity.
Regulates:
Nutrient content (N – Nitrogen, P – Phosphorus, K – Potassium)
Physical properties (e.g., color, granule size, texture)
Impurity levels & harmful substances.
