Biostimulants, Emerging as a Key Tool for Sustainable Agriculture in India

Biostimulants, Emerging as a Key Tool for Sustainable Agriculture in India

Why in News?

Biostimulants—naturally derived agricultural inputs—are gaining significant traction in India as a sustainable solution to challenges like climate volatility and soil degradation. With the Indian market projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032, this sector is poised to redefine sustainable farming and position India as a major player in the global green agri-input trade.

Introduction

As the global agricultural sector seeks eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic chemicals, India is leveraging its strengths to lead a quiet revolution. Biostimulants, which enhance plant resilience and nutrient efficiency without being pesticides or fertilizers, are at the heart of this transformation. They represent a critical innovation for ensuring food security and farmer prosperity in an era of climate change.

What are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants are natural substances derived from:

• Seaweed extracts

• Humic and fulvic substances

• Amino acids and vitamins

• Beneficial microbes

Their primary function is to activate a plant’s internal physiological processes, improving its ability to withstand stress (like drought or salinity), enhance nutrient uptake, and ultimately boost yield and quality.

Key Drivers of Growth in India

1. Climate Resilience: They help crops perform better in a climate-stressed environment, a critical need for Indian agriculture.

2. Government Support: Policy push for eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural inputs.

3. Market Demand: Rising domestic and international demand for sustainable agricultural practices and reduced environmental footprint.

4. Economic Potential: The sector is growing at a robust CAGR of 15.64%.

India’s Advantages and Global Position

• Export Leadership: Indian companies supply biostimulants to over 45 countries, including markets in Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

• Natural Strengths: India’s rich biodiversity, vast arable land, and cost-efficient R&D capabilities provide a natural advantage for innovation and production.

• Global Compliance: Indian manufacturers are proactively securing international certifications (like REACH, ISO, EU 2019/1009, GMP) to meet global standards.

Role of MSMEs and Associated Challenges

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of this industry, driving localized innovation and last-mile delivery. However, they face key challenges:

• High compliance costs and regulatory complexity.

• Limited access to testing infrastructure.

Suggested Support for MSMEs:

• Establish public-funded bioefficacy testing centers.

• Create tiered licensing mechanisms for faster approvals.

• Provide subsidies for data generation required for regulatory and export compliance.

• Harmonize Indian standards with global benchmarks.

Role of ICAR and Institutional Support

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) can play a transformative role by:

• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and crop-specific protocols.

• Validating bioefficacy benchmarks.

• Providing low-cost access to data and formulations for MSMEs to reduce dependency on foreign technologies.

The Way Forward: Policy Recommendations

To consolidate India’s position as a global biostimulant hub, the following steps are recommended:

1. Export Incentives: Include biostimulants under the Agri Export Policy for subsidies.

2. Traceability Frameworks: Implement eco-labelling and blockchain-based systems to ensure quality and build trust.

3. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Foster R&D partnerships tailored to regional crop needs.

4. International Agreements: Negotiate bilateral trade agreements focused on the exchange of sustainable agricultural inputs.

Conclusion

Biostimulants are not just a agricultural input but a strategic tool aligned with India’s goals of sustainability, economic growth, and global leadership in green technology. By empowering MSMEs, strengthening research through institutions like ICAR, and implementing forward-thinking policies, India can successfully create a new green export vertical, ensure farmers’ resilience, and contribute to a sustainable future.

5 Questions and Answers

Q1: What are biostimulants and how do they differ from fertilizers?
A: Biostimulants are naturally derived substances that enhance a plant’s internal processes to improve stress tolerance and nutrient efficiency. Unlike fertilizers, which provide direct nutrients, biostimulants work by stimulating the plant’s natural functions.

Q2: What is the projected growth of the Indian biostimulant market?
A: The Indian biostimulant market is projected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.64%.

Q3: What role do MSMEs play in the biostimulant sector, and what challenges do they face?
A: MSMEs drive local innovation and last-mile delivery in the biostimulant sector. Their main challenges include high compliance costs, regulatory complexity, and limited access to testing infrastructure.

Q4: How can ICAR contribute to the growth of the biostimulant industry?
A: ICAR can contribute by developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validating crop-specific efficacy, and providing low-cost access to data and formulations for MSMEs, thus reducing dependence on foreign technology.

Q5: Name two key policy steps India can take to become a global biostimulant hub.
A: Two key policy steps are: (1) Providing export subsidies under the Agri Export Policy, and (2) Implementing eco-labelling and blockchain-based traceability frameworks to ensure quality and build international trust.