Pooled data for biostimulants’ registration to boost the industry: India AIM

Agro Inputs Manufacturers Association of India (AIM) has welcomed inclusion of biostimulants in the Fertiliser Control Order but demanded 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, which was set up in 2010, has around 300 members, is in the possession of data for eight major biostimulants. The association has a pan-India presence.
 
Pointing out that it would be difficult and unviable for the individual manufacturer to source these data, AIM 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 biostimulants into the purview of Fertiliser Control Order (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.
 
Since its establishment, the industry body took a very proactive approach and started data creation work for biostimulants.
 
AIM Association is now in the possession of all the requisite data which is required for inclusion of biostimulants in Schedule VI as per notification.
 
AIM has proposed to the government authorities to accept this pooled 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 pooled data is not a new concept in the registration of agrochemicals and therefore, the same should be accepted in the case of biostimulants.
 
This will instantly enable AIM’s 300 odd members to continue their businesses. The use of pooled data will save repetition of work and will save time, energy and national wealth.
 
The most important use of this pooled data will be the success of new biostimulant notification as thousands of small to big manufacturers can avail this data and register themselves in new Schedule VI.
 
“We welcome the new biostimulant notification bringing biostimulants under the purview of FCO 1985. This step will give biostimulants 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 pooled data must be accepted. Individual data creation is a very costly affair for MSMEs and SMEs. We, as an association, are in possession of all the requisite data required for the permanent registration of biostimulants 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 Association.
 
“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 Association.
 
Among other demands, the association said there was 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 and adulteration in biostimulants, the Minimum Residue Limit (MRL) of 0.01 ppm should be increased to a minimum of 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 the 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 raw materials should be defined urgently. Importers should be exempted from the registration process of biostimulants.