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.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the Indian biostimulant market was valued at $355.53 million in 2024 and is projected to grow to $1.13 billion by 2032. Key players in this market include Coromandel International Limited, Syngenta, and Godrej Agrovet, whose products are typically sold in liquid form through retail channels.

Controversy Surrounding Protein Hydrolysates

The revoked products primarily belong to one of the most common categories of biostimulants: protein hydrolysates. These are mixtures of amino acids and peptides formed by protein breakdown, which can be derived from plants (e.g., soy, corn) or animals (including chicken feathers, porcine tissue, bovine hide, and fish scales).

These 11 affected products had previously been listed in Schedule VI of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, after receiving approval from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They were approved for crops such as mung beans, cotton, soybeans, grapes, and chili peppers.

Mangi Lal Jat, the head of ICAR, clarified that while no new categories are being recommended for sale, the suspension of animal-derived products aims to avoid ethical conflicts, and further data on their harvest interval when used as foliar sprays is still needed.

Tightening Regulations and Market Rectification

Prior to 2021, biostimulants in India were unregulated and could be freely sold. This situation changed when the government brought them under the purview of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, requiring companies to register products and demonstrate their safety and efficacy. The regulations also included a grace period, allowing products for which applications had been submitted to continue sales until June 16, 2025.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been vocal in his criticism of the uncontrolled proliferation of biostimulants. He stated in July, "Approximately 30,000 products were being sold without regulation. In the last four years, 8,000 products were still in circulation. After stricter inspections, this number has now decreased to about 650."

Balancing Cultural Sensitivity with Scientific Scrutiny

The revocation of approval for animal-derived biostimulants reflects a shift towards more ethically and culturally aligned agricultural practices. Although these products may have been scientifically approved, their ingredients conflicted with the dietary and religious values of a significant portion of India's population.

This development is expected to accelerate the adoption of plant-based alternatives and push manufacturers towards more transparent raw material sourcing and product labeling.

Shift to Plant-Based Biostimulants Following Animal-Source Ban

With the Indian government's recent revocation of approval for 11 animal-derived biostimulants, farmers across the country are actively seeking ethical and effective alternatives.

Benefits of plant-based biostimulants include:

No Religious or Dietary Conflicts: Do not clash with any religious or dietary norms.

Regulatory Compliance: Approved within India's Fertiliser (Control) Order framework.

Enhanced Stress Tolerance: Help crops withstand adversities like drought and high temperatures.

Improved Crop Quality: Enhance taste, shelf life, and appearance of crops.

Better Soil Health: Promote microbial activity and root growth.

Conclusion

India's biostimulant market is undergoing multifaceted evolution across scientific, regulatory, and ethical dimensions. The withdrawal of animal-derived products highlights the importance of integrating cultural values into agricultural innovation. As the market matures, the focus is likely to shift further towards sustainable, plant-based solutions, aiming to strike a balance between enhancing productivity and accommodating public sentiment.