Centre Withdraws Approval for Animal Protein-Based Biostimulants Citing Religious and Dietary Concerns

Months after approving 11 animal protein-based biostimulants for crops like paddy, tomato, potato, cucumber, and chilli, the Union Agriculture Ministry has withdrawn their approval due to “religious and dietary restrictions.” The products, derived from sources such as chicken feathers, pig tissue, bovine hide, and cod scales, were initially cleared by ICAR and added to the Fertiliser Control Order. The decision follows complaints from Hindu and Jain communities. Biostimulants enhance plant growth and yield without supplying nutrients directly. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan cited ethical concerns and the need for proper pre-harvest data, while unregulated biostimulant sales have also been curtailed.