Indian Government broadens fertilizer regulations to cover new biostimulants and microbial products

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has implemented a major amendment to the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, with the goal of boosting crop productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture. The updated directive, known as the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed) (Control) Fourth Amendment Order, 2025, establishes detailed regulations for biostimulants, microbial formulations, and biochemical fertilizers

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has introduced a major update to the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic, or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, with the Fourth Amendment Order, 2025. This new regulation aims to boost crop productivity and encourage sustainable agriculture by establishing comprehensive standards for biostimulants, microbial formulations, and biochemical fertilizers.

Key Additions and Specifications
One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of precise specifications for humic acid, fulvic acid, and seaweed-based biostimulants. These new rules define acceptable compositions, ingredients, and dosage guidelines for different crops. For example:

Humic Acid 6 per cent (Liquid): Must contain at least 6 per cent potassium humate sourced from Leonardite

Humic-Fulvic Acid 76 per cent (Powder): Requires a balanced mix of humic and fulvic acids, along with stabilizers like dextrose monohydrate.

Application Guidelines: Foliar spray for tomatoes at 1.25 liters/hectare and soil application for chillies at 30 kg/hectare.

Seaweed and Botanical Extract Regulations
The amendment sets standards for seaweed extracts from species such as Ascophyllum nodosum and Kappaphycus alvarezii, focusing on alginic acid levels, organic carbon, and pH. These are recommended for crops like cucumber, paddy, and brinjal, with specified foliar and soil application rates.

Botanical extracts, including Spirulina and Adhatoda vasica, also fall under the new rules. Their protein content, solubility, and usage per crop are now clearly defined.

Protein Hydrolysates and Amino Acid Fertilizers
For the first time, protein hydrolysates and amino acid-based fertilizers—sourced from both plants and animals—are regulated. Requirements include:

Animal-Based Protein Hydrolysate 62.5 per cent: Minimum 21.6 per cent free amino acids

Plant-Based Amino Acid 10 per cent (Liquid): Must meet set standards for specific gravity and solubility

Application Examples: 1.25 liters/hectare for green gram and 750 ml/hectare for chillies

Microbial Formulations and Viability Standards
Live microbial products, such as those containing Methylococcus capsulatus and Methylobacterium species, are now regulated for viability and efficacy. For example:

Microbial Consortia: Must maintain a minimum viable count of 5 × 10⁶ CFU/g per strain.

Quality Control: Methylococcus capsulatus must meet 5 × 10⁷ CFU/g, while Methylobacterium consortia must hold 2.5 × 10⁶ CFU/g per strain.

These standards are designed to ensure consistency and reliability in microbial-based solutions for crops like paddy, maize, and onion.

Implementation and Impact
The updated regulations will come into effect upon their publication in the Official Gazette. Enforcement will fall under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, requiring both farmers and manufacturers to comply.

This policy shift is expected to: Improve crop yields; minimize the environmental impact of traditional fertilizers; promote India’s transition to organic and precision farming practices

Overall, the amendment represents a strategic move to modernize fertilizer use in India while aligning with sustainability goals.