Biostimulants [UPSC Notes]

The Ministry of Agriculture has issued the draft guidelines for the registration of bio-stimulants under Schedule VI of the FCO Amendment order 2021. In this context, it is important to understand what biostimulants are and what the draft guidelines talk about, from the IAS exam perspective.

What are Biostimulants?

The order describes biostimulants as a substance or microorganisms or a combination of both which will function to stimulate physiological processes in plants and to enhance their nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality and tolerance to stress, regardless of their nutrient content when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere.

• Biostimulants do not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticides Act, of 1968. 
• Some examples of biostimulants are humic and fulvic acids, liquid manure composting, seaweed extracts and beneficial bacteria and fungi.

Draft Guidelines for Biostimulants

• Schedule VI of the Fertiliser (inorganic, organic or mixed) Control Amendment Order 2021 makes it mandatory for any person who is importing or manufacturing any biostimulant to list under the same.
• The FCO Amendment Order is the government-notified biostimulant regulation issued in 2021 and it makes India among the few countries to have regulations for biostimulants.  
• According to the FCO Amendment Order, bio-stimulants will have to be first registered and prove efficacy before hitting the market. 
• The draft guidelines for the registration of bio-stimulants require the submission of complete study reports and the data submitted during registration needs to be authentic, replicable, utilisable and of good quality. 
• The variety of data required for registration is
  • Data on the identity of biostimulants
  • Data to assess risk to humans and the environment
  • Data to assess the efficacy of the product
  • Packaging (as per the material used by the applicant) and labelling requirements (contents to be defined from time to time).
• In the case of toxicity data of biostimulants, the Central Bio-stimulant Committee (CBC) will examine on a case-to-case basis based on the history of safe use, and/or bio-safety data of the product accepted by Government bodies of India or any developed countries.
• The data generated from recognized scientific research organizations and/or industry associations in the supervision of recognized research organizations under standard conditions can be used by multiple manufacturers through legally acceptable terms and conditions.
• The draft requires avoiding animal testing wherever possible and waivers may be granted if justified on the basis of scientifically sound rationale and literature published in reputed journals/reports.
• The draft guidelines prohibit the fortification of bio-stimulants with any other nutrients or chemicals.

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