India has witnessed a significant regulatory policy reversal as its Ministry of Agriculture has revoked the registration approvals of 11 bio-stimulant products derived from animal sources. These products were only recently permitted for use on crops such as rice, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. The decision, announced on September 30, 2025, was made following complaints from Hindu and Jain communities and in consideration of “religious and dietary restrictions.” This move marks a crucial step in India’s progress towards establishing a more culturally sensitive regulatory framework for agricultural inputs.
The controversy over protein hydrolysates
The withdrawn approved product falls under one of the most common categories of biological stimulants: protein hydrolysates. These are mixtures of amino acids and peptides formed by breaking down proteins. Their sources can be plants (such as soybeans or corn) or animals (including chicken feathers, pig tissues, cow hides and fish scales).
These 11 affected products were previously included in Appendix 6 of the 1985 “Fertilizers (Control) Regulations” after obtaining approval from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). They were previously approved for use in crops such as lentils, cotton, soybeans, grapes and peppers.
Regulatory tightening and market rectification
Before 2021, biological stimulants in India were not subject to formal regulation and could be sold freely. This situation changed after the government included them in the “Fertilizers (Regulation) Ordinance” for regulation, requiring companies to register their products and prove their safety and efficacy. The regulations set a grace period, allowing products to continue to be sold until June 16, 2025, as long as the application was submitted.
Federal Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has been outspoken in his criticism of the unregulated proliferation of bio-stimulants. In July, he stated: “Approximately 30,000 products are being sold without any regulation. Over the past four years, there have still been 8,000 products in circulation. After implementing stricter inspections, this number has now dropped to around 650.”
Cultural sensitivity coexists with scientific review
The revocation of the approval for animal-derived bio-stimulants reflects the shift in agricultural practices towards a more ethical and culturally appropriate direction. Although these products were approved scientifically, their ingredients conflicted with the diet and religious values of a large portion of the Indian population.
This advancement is expected to accelerate the adoption of plant-based alternatives and drive producers to adopt more transparent raw material procurement and product labeling.
After the ban on animal-derived substances, a shift to plant-derived bio-stimulants was made.
With the Indian government recently revoking the approval for 11 animal-derived biological stimulants, farmers across the country are now seeking ethical and effective reliable alternatives.
Summary
The biostimulant market in India is not only evolving in terms of science and regulation, but also in terms of ethical requirements.The biostimulant market in India is not only evolving in terms of science and regulation, but also in terms of meeting ethical requirements. The withdrawal of animal-derived products highlights the importance of integrating agricultural innovation with cultural values. The withdrawal of animal-derived products highlights the importance of integrating agricultural innovation with cultural values. As the market matures, the focus may shift to plant-based sustainable solutions, with the aim of achieving a balance between enhancing productivity and meeting public expectations.
Post time: Oct-14-2025