Indian agriculture has made significant strides, achieving record-high food grain (332.3 million tons) and horticulture (351.1 million tons) production in 2023–2024. Now the world’s seventh-largest net exporter of agricultural products, India produces cereals (wheat, rice, maize, millets), pulses, fruits, vegetables, spices, and medicinal plants. Decades of improved production have increased cereal, fruit, and vegetable availability. However, sector growth has fluctuated due to climate change and resource depletion.

Another major concern today is sustainability. Sustainably managed agriculture can protect water resources, enhance soil health, and restore vital habitats. While unsustainable practices harm both the environment and people. Sustainable agriculture—encompassing organic, biological, and biodynamic methods—mimics natural ecological processes, making responsible resource management essential.

Chemical-based farming depletes soil carbon, while BioAg restores it affordably. Soil carbon sequestration through BioAg costs less than one percent of conventional emission reduction methods. Converting 2.5 percent of global farmland to bio-agriculture would cost USD seven billion annually. Studies show sequestration rates of 0.2–3 tonnes of carbon per hectare per year, with soil carbon increasing by 16 percent in biodynamic and 12 percent in organic systems. The average pesticide consumption in India is 570 grams per hectare, which is relatively low compared to countries like Japan and Thailand, where consumption rates reach 11 kg and 17 kg per hectare, respectively¹. Sustainable farming reduces global warming and energy use while maintaining productivity.

India’s BioAg market is expanding due to rising awareness of biopesticides, biofuels, and biofertilizers. Demand is growing for high-yield, nutrient-rich crops requiring fewer resources, driven by population growth and interest in organic food. Government support for sustainable farming, amid soil degradation and groundwater decline, further boosts the sector. Health-conscious consumers and farmers seeking safer alternatives to toxic chemicals are also driving market growth, creating profitable opportunities for industry investors.

The Indian BioAg market, valued at INR 62,249 million in 2022, is on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach INR 97,147 million by 2028 at a 7.3 percent CAGR (IMARC Group). Globally, the agricultural biologicals market was worth USD 7.2 billion in 2019 and is set to expand at a 9.4 percent CAGR, reaching USD 14.7 billion by 2027. With rising demand for organic food, market volume is expected to grow from 5,694.56 kilotons (2020) to 10,185.68 kilotons (2027), reinforcing the industry’s rapid expansion.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Biofertilizers
Research in biofertilizers in India focuses on enhancing plant growth and soil health through microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, fungi, and bacteria. Key advancements include the development of microbial consortia and new biofertilizers like K-solubilizers and Zn-solubilizers. The All India Network Project on Soil Biodiversity-Biofertilizers and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture support these innovations. Despite progress, usage remains low outside southern India, with ongoing efforts to improve awareness and accessibility. Research-driven developments continue to play a crucial role in promoting biofertilizers across the country.

Biopesticides
ICAR has been instrumental in advancing biopesticide research and developing eco-friendly solutions like Bacillus thuringiensis and Trichoderma to combat crop pests. Since the launch of the AICRP on Biological Control in 1977, the Indian research community has focused on creating effective, safe alternatives to chemical pesticides. While biopesticides make up a small portion of India’s pesticide market, research is expanding, and the development of a wider range of bioagents will be key to increasing adoption and efficacy. The recent invasions of fall armyworm (FAW) infesting maize and devastating infection of banana by Fusarium cubense TR4 race have been successfully managed with microbial agents (Fusicont) developed by ICAR.

Biocontrol Agents
Biocontrol agents are at the forefront of India’s sustainable pest management efforts. ICAR’s research focuses on identifying efficient bioagents and developing scalable biocontrol technologies. Through the AICRP on Biological Control, valuable work is being done to catalog beneficial species and develop practical, effective biocontrol methods. Research-driven innovations help reduce chemical pesticide use, promoting environmentally friendly practices that support both farmer health and crop protection.

Biostimulants
Biostimulant research in India is focused on enhancing crop health and productivity through products like seaweed extracts, humic acids, and microbial biostimulants. These innovations are crucial in improving nutrient efficiency and environmental stress tolerance. Research advancements are aimed at improving biostimulant effectiveness for diverse agricultural conditions, helping farmers adapt to challenges like drought and salinity. As a result, biostimulants are becoming increasingly significant in sustainable agriculture practices.

The Indian government ensures farmers have access to quality fertilizers and pesticides at reasonable prices through the Fertilizer Control Order and the Central Insecticide Board. These measures regulate production, quality, distribution, and pricing to protect legitimate dealers and manufacturers from exploitation by unscrupulous entities.

REGULATORY OVERVIEW

Biofertilizers
The Indian government regulates biofertilizer production, distribution, and pricing under the Fertilizer Control Orders (FCO), guided by the authority of the ECA. The Central Fertilizer Committee (CFC) recommends new fertilizers, including biofertilizers, and their specifications. FCO’s Schedule III outlines specifications for 11 biofertilizers, including consortia, while Schedule IV covers organic fertilizers. Strict penalties are imposed on the sale of substandard fertilizers. The FCO has evolved through periodic updates based on CFC recommendations, ensuring effective quality control and compliance. As of 2022, 188 fertilizer specifications have been published, including various biofertilizers and organic options.

Biostimulants
The government introduced a new regulatory framework for biostimulants under the Fertilizer Control Orders, establishing the Central Biostimulant Committee (CBC). This committee advises on biostimulant inclusion, specifications, and laboratory requirements. Biostimulants, including seaweed extracts, amino acids, and microbial products, are listed in Schedule VI, which also mandates publication of the producer/importer name. Regulations ensure biostimulants are free from harmful substances, with a strict limit on heavy metals and pesticide content. Amendments to the regulations are periodically made based on CBC recommendations, supporting safe and effective biostimulant use.

Biopesticide Legislations
The Insecticides Act of 1968, later amended in 2000, governs the regulation of pesticides, including biopesticides, in India. The government, through the Registration Committee, evaluates the safety and efficacy of pesticides before registration, considering factors like toxicity, environmental impact, and effectiveness. Biopesticides such as Bacillus, neem, Trichoderma, and Beauveria are registered under this act. The committee has streamlined registration procedures to encourage the adoption of biopesticides, promoting integrated pest management (IPM) and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. As of now, approximately 946 pesticide formulations, including biopesticides, have been registered.

BioAg inputs derived from natural materials are becoming increasingly crucial in India’s pursuit of sustainable farming practices. With a growing demand for safer and greener crop protection solutions, India’s regulatory bodies are actively facilitating product approvals and market expansion. Both public and private sectors are focusing on emerging opportunities within the country and investing in research and development, which will enhance competition as bio-ingredient investments increase. The demand for high-performance bio-agriculture products is clear, especially as the costs of synthetic inputs rise. With food security becoming an urgent concern due to India’s expanding population, the push for environmentally friendly agricultural solutions is intensifying. Agricultural biostimulants, which improve crop health, growth, and yield, are becoming an essential part of this transition. Thanks to advancements in farming practices, ongoing technical innovations, and government policies supporting sustainable agriculture, the future of India’s BioAg industry is poised for significant growth, driving the nation toward more resilient and sustainable farming.

1. Mordor Intelligence. (n.d.). India agricultural biologicals market. Retrieved from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-agricultural-biologicals-market
2. Mordor Intelligence. (n.d.). India agricultural biologicals market. Retrieved from https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/india-agricultural-biologicals-market
3. Research and Markets. (n.d.). India biological crop protection market – Region analysis. Retrieved from https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6033366/india-biological-crop-protection-market-region#rela3-5937006