India's Agricultural Policy Shift: Animal-Based Biostimulants Banned Due to Religious Concerns, Plant-Based Alternatives Gain Momentum
Recently, India's Ministry of Agriculture made a notable policy adjustment, revoking the registration approval for 11 animal-derived biostimulant products. These products were previously approved for use on various crops such as rice, tomatoes, and potatoes. This decision, effective September 30, 2025, stems from complaints received from Hindu and Jain communities, prompting the government to reconsider "religious and dietary restrictions" in agricultural practices. This move marks a significant step for India in building a more culturally sensitive regulatory framework for agricultural inputs.