Biostimulants in Indian Agriculture
India is witnessing shift in agriculture with the rise of biostimulants. These natural products help plants withstand climate stress, improve nutrient uptake, and boost yields without synthetic chemicals. This change aligns with India’s goals for sustainable farming and global export growth.
What Are Biostimulants?
Biostimulants are substances derived from seaweed, humic acids, amino acids, vitamins, and beneficial microbes. Unlike fertilisers or pesticides, they activate plants’ internal systems to enhance growth and stress tolerance. They are used in both organic and conventional farming to increase crop resilience.
Market Growth and Drivers
The Indian biostimulant market is expected to reach USD 1.13 billion by 2032. It is growing at an annual rate of 15.64%. Growth is driven by rising demand for sustainable agriculture, government support, and the need for climate-resilient crops. Biostimulants reduce environmental damage while improving productivity.
India’s Export Potential
India benefits from rich biodiversity, large arable land, and cost-effective research. Indian companies export biostimulants to over 45 countries, including those in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Indian products meet global standards like REACH, ISO, and EU regulations, enhancing export competitiveness.
Role of MSMEs in Innovation
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) lead innovation and distribution of biostimulants in India. They face challenges such as high regulatory costs and limited testing facilities. Proposed solutions include public bioefficacy centres, tiered licensing, subsidised data generation, and harmonised global standards to ease compliance and boost exports.
ICAR’s Contribution
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) supports biostimulant development by creating standard protocols and validating products. It provides affordable access to data and formulations for MSMEs. This reduces dependence on foreign technologies and promotes science-based growth in domestic and international markets.
Policy Measures
To strengthen its position, India needs policies like export subsidies, eco-labelling, blockchain traceability, and public-private R&D partnerships. Bilateral agreements on sustainable inputs can further enhance trade. Indian firms already export to countries like Bangladesh, Vietnam, UAE, Egypt, Spain, and Kenya, expanding their global footprint.
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