Govt not to allow sale of biostimulants without scientific approval: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
🚜 New Push to Protect Farmers and Crops
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a major reform. The government will ban the sale of biostimulants unless they have scientific approval. This move will protect farmers from misleading products and boost trust in agricultural inputs.
Chouhan made the announcement during a recent meeting with state agriculture ministers. He emphasized the need to eliminate unverified and fake products from the market.
🧪 What Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants help crops grow better. They are not fertilizers or pesticides. Instead, they improve plant health by enhancing natural processes.
These products can increase nutrient use, boost yield, and help crops survive stress. However, not all biostimulants are tested. Many companies sell products without any proof of their effectiveness.
This has caused major issues. Farmers have spent money on products that don’t work. Some even harm crops or soil. The government now aims to fix that.
🧑🌾 Chouhan’s Firm Message
Chouhan said, “No biostimulant will be allowed without proof. Farmers deserve products that work.”
He has asked the Agriculture Ministry to prepare strict rules and SOPs. These will guide how biostimulants are tested and approved.
📉 Cleaning Up the Market
In the past, over 30,000 biostimulant products entered the market without proper checks. Of these, around 8,000 remained active until a few years ago.
Thanks to recent efforts, only about 650 products are currently approved. The ministry plans to reduce this number further by removing untested items.
⚖️ Tougher Laws and State Support
Chouhan wants to take legal action against those selling fake products. He has also told states to stop retailers from forcing farmers to buy biostimulants along with fertilizers like urea or DAP.
Many farmers reported being pressured into buying unwanted products. The government wants to end this practice.
📢 Listening to Farmers
The reforms follow feedback from the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.” During this campaign, officials heard from farmers across India. Many said they had been misled by fake or low-quality products.
The ministry took those complaints seriously. It is now acting to ensure farmers get real value for their money.
📈 Why Regulation Matters Now
India’s biostimulant market is growing fast. Experts estimate it’s worth around $355 million today. By 2032, it could reach over $1.2 billion.
This growth makes strong regulation essential. Without it, more fake products could enter the market. That would hurt both farmers and the environment.
🧬 Backed by Science
Only scientifically tested biostimulants will be allowed. Trusted institutions like ICAR will handle testing. Products must show clear, proven results before they reach farmers.
This step will improve product quality. It will also encourage companies to invest in research.
📋 Summary of Reforms
| Area | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Product Approval | Must be based on scientific data |
| Testing Agencies | Only ICAR and accredited research bodies will approve products |
| Market Cleanup | From 30,000 unapproved products to 650 approved ones |
| Legal Measures | Action against sellers of fake or forced products |
| Retail Practices | States to stop forced bundling with subsidized fertilizers |
🌱 A New Chapter for Indian Agriculture
This government action is a major win for farmers. It will protect them from fraud and improve crop results. Scientific checks will raise the standard of inputs in the long run.
If implemented well, these reforms will help build a better, more trustworthy agriculture system. Farmers will finally receive the support and protection they deserve.
