New Delhi – Biostimulants and their regulation in Indian agriculture took center stage today as Union Minister of Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level meeting at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. The decisive step aims to protect the interests of Indian farmers by tightening oversight and ensuring only scientifically validated biostimulants are approved for use.
Farmers First: Clear Message from the Minister
The Minister reiterated that “farmers are our top priority” and directed all concerned officials to work with utmost transparency and accountability. “Some dishonest players are causing harm, and it is my responsibility to protect the farmers,” said Shri Chouhan, emphasizing that misleading claims and ineffective biostimulants would not be tolerated.
Insights from the Ground: Grievances from Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
Drawing upon his recent 15-day outreach under the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, where he directly engaged with farmers across various states, Shri Chouhan brought attention to numerous field complaints regarding fake fertilizers, seeds, nano urea, and biostimulants. He voiced his concern that several products have remained in the market for years without adequate verification, despite repeated renewals.
Sharp Scrutiny of Biostimulants and Regulatory Oversight
During the review, the Minister asked pointed questions about:
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The history and regulatory status of biostimulants in India
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The number of verified and unverified products currently in circulation
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Sampling and testing methods employed for product quality
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Legal provisions available for penalizing violators
He highlighted that nearly 30,000 biostimulant products were previously on the market without adequate scrutiny. Post his intervention, this number was brought down to 650, showcasing the ministry’s tightened regulatory stance.
Scientific Validation Now a Must
Calling for strict oversight, the Minister instructed that the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) must take a central role in testing the efficacy and productivity impact of biostimulants. “Only those biostimulants that meet all the criteria and are proven beneficial to farmers will be approved. Approvals will now be based solely on scientific validation,” he said.
Accountability and SOPs to be Established
The Minister emphasized that clear rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be urgently established to guide the process. He warned of strict action against companies selling unverified or ineffective products, and held officials personally responsible for ensuring transparency and farmer welfare.
Closing Remarks: Trust Must Not Be Broken
Concluding the meeting, Shri Chouhan reminded the participants that “India’s farmers trust us — they trust ICAR”, and called upon scientists and officials to serve in alignment with real field needs. “We must ensure that only genuine, productive, and beneficial solutions reach the farmer. No irregularity will be tolerated,” he said.
Source: PIB
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