Betting on Biostimulants for Enhanced Yields

Factors such as the growing popularity of organic farming, surging demand for environmentally friendly agricultural inputs, and official encouragement of the practice, are driving the expansion of the biostimulant market in India, though inadequate production infrastructure may present challenges in distributing products on time and in sufficient numbers. The lack of education, awareness and encouragement of biostimulant use in India’s agricultural sector further exacerbates this problem. 

Despite being in the early stages of development, the biostimulant market in India has substantial potential for expansion as demand for sustainable farming methods and reduced use of chemical fertilisers grows. Multinational corporations currently dominate the market but rely on local distributors for product sales. 

Biostimulants, such as biopolymers, non-living products produced from microbes, formulations based on biomolecules, and botanical extracts, are designed to be used in harsh environments and require targeted marketing to reach their full potential.

According to Dr Venkatesh Devanur, CEO, MD Agri Life, “the biostimulant industry is growing well in most crop segments across India. Abiotic pressures on crops and their adverse impacts are felt by farmers.” 

Biostimulants have the potential to enhance crop yields, improve soil health, and increase farmer income sustainably, making them an attractive option for the Indian agricultural sector. 

Despite facing challenges such as erratic weather patterns, soil salinity, and declining soil health due to the climate crisis, India’s agricultural sector has made remarkable strides in becoming a leading food provider worldwide.

As the world’s population continues to grow, sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of seaweed biostimulants will become increasingly important in maintaining soil health and meeting food demand. 

Commenting on the subject, Prashant Kharwadkar, Regional Business Director, Acadian Plant Health, said, “increasing awareness among farmers on the importance of good quality biostimulants against the adverse impact of crop chemicals/residues, pest–disease resurgence, increasing cost of production, climate changes (abiotic stresses), and deteriorating soil health will continue to drive the demand for good quality biostimulants and sustainable technologies in agriculture for increasing crop yield and produce quality. India is an emerging market for biostimulants and provides a unique opportunity for continued growth on a sustainable basis.”

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