Agro Inputs Manufacturers Association of India (AIM) welcomes inclusion of bio-stimulants in the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) but demands that the Government should allow MSMEs to submit pooled data, collected by the association, for registration process and enabling them to carry on their business.

The Pune-based Association is in the possession of data for 8 major bio-stimulants. Pointing out that it would be difficult and unviable for the individual manufacturer to source these data, AIM Association wants that its pooled data should be allowed to be used by small manufacturers for completing their registration process.

A notification issued in 2019 had brought Bio-stimulants in the purview of FCO 1985.

AIM feels that the guidelines should also encourage innovation, be more industry friendly and promote label claim based products, which can double farmers’ income and make them prosperous. It adopted a very proactive approach and started data creation work for biostimulants.

AIM has all the requisite data which is required for inclusion of bio-stimulant in the Schedule VI as per notification. The association proposes to the government authorities to accept this pool data so that the small to medium industries can use this data and keep their business prospects alive. The per product cost of above data creation is around Rs 30 lakhs, which is not affordable for MSMEs.

The association argues that pool data is not a new concept in registration of agro chemicals and therefore, the same should be accepted in case of bio-stimulants. This will instantly enable AIM’s 300 odd members to continue their businesses. The use of pool data will save repetition of work and will save time, energy and national wealth.

“We welcome the new Bio-stimulant notification bringing Bio-stimulants under the purview of FCO 1985. This step will give bio-stimulants a ‘registered agri input' status and will benefit genuine manufacturers to carry out their business with pride and authenticity," said Rajkumar Dhurgude, President, AIM.

“AIM Association’s Pool Data must be accepted. Individual data creation is very costly affair for MSMEs and SMEs. We, as an association, are in possession of all the requisite data required for permanent registration of Bio-stimulants in Schedule VI of FCO 1985. This will give respite to small to medium manufacturers and their business prospects will not be hampered.” said Sameer Pathare, Secretary, AIM.

“We should look beyond present biostimulant regulations and their administrative challenges. Let’s prepare ourselves to accept the challenges and treat this as an opportunity to take our business and industry to the next level “said Vaibhav Kashikar, Deputy Secretary, AIM.

Among other demands, the association said there is a need to extend the validation period of Provisional Registration Certificate (Form G3) ending on February 22, 2023 deadline by at least one year. 

Also, to curb lacing / adulteration in bio-stimulants, the Minimum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.01 ppm should be increased to minimum 5-10 ppm. It is to be noted 0.01 ppm limit can be detected due to instrument contamination as well as water contamination used for formulation of products.

The association feels that even if a pesticide is laced with 1-5 ppm, it can’t harm any insect. So it is not serving any purpose other than future litigations under Insecticide Act.

The policy of Import of biostimulants as a raw material should be defined urgently. Importers should be exempted from the registration process of Bio-stimulants.