Revised Fertiliser Control Order Introduces New Standards

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified the Fertilizers (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Eleventh Amendment Order, 2025 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The amendment updates Schedule VI, Part D of 1985. The amendment updates Schedule VI, Part D of the 1985 Fertiliser Control Order, presenting supplementary practices for testing significant substances in fertilisers.

New parameters involve the estimation of salicylic acid, cytokinin, carbohydrates, starch, cellulase activity, eugenol, folic acid (vitamin B9), homobrassinolide, and vitamin B3 (niacin) using innovative High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Gas Chromatography techniques. These updated measures specify equipment, reagents, preparation methods, and calculation formulas to ensure accuracy and consistency in testing.

The amendment intends to improve quality control, encourage scientific testing standards, and boost traceability in fertiliser analysis. By aligning testing practices with global analytical protocols, the government aims to ensure product safety and maintain uniformity across laboratories. The Order takes effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.