Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Government, namely, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (i.e., MoA & FW) has issued a recent notification under the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, introducing specifications for two customized fertilizers for cotton cultivation in selected districts of the state, Andhra Pradesh. The notification, also published on 8 May 2026, will remain valid for 3 years from that date.  The first customized fertilizer, has been approved for the basal stage of cotton crops. It also prescribes minimum nutrient standards, including 12% total nitrogen, 24% phosphorus, 0.5% zinc, and 0.2% boron, as well as particle-size specifications for quality control.  The second customized fertilizer, is approved for the top-dress stage of cotton crops in the same districts. The formulation mandates a minimum of 24% nitrogen and 16% water-soluble potassium content.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Twelfth Amendment Order, 2025, introducing key regulatory changes under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. A significant inclusion is the recognition of Organic Carbon Enhancers produced from Compressed Biogas plants, now covered under Schedule VIII with defined quality standards. Inspectors are sanctioned to draw and document samples of these enhancers following new procedures, with analysis mandated at designated Regional Centres or approved laboratories. Amendments to clauses 28, 29, 29AB, 29D, and 30 update sampling, testing, and compliance requirements for Organic Carbon Enhancers alongside organic fertilisers and non-edible de-oiled cakes. Schedule I receives numerous additions, including specifications for NBPT-coated urea, new NPK grades, revised micronutrient and fortified fertiliser norms, and updated tolerance limits for customised, liquid, fortified, and beneficial fertilisers. Liquid fertiliser standards now include Potassium Acetate and Liquid Potassium Carbonate. Forms J, K, and L-1 are revised to incorporate Organic Carbon Enhancers and related substances to ensure uniform documentation.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has issued the Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) (Eleventh Amendment) Order, 2025 under Section 3(1) of the Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. This amendment aims to boost India’s phytosanitary measures and control the safe import of agricultural commodities. The Order, which comes into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, introduces specific changes to Schedule VI of the principal Order of 2003. Under Serial Number 262, relating to Pyrus communis (pear), new entries have been added in columns 3, 4, 5, and 6. These amendments establish updated import requirements and inspection conditions to avoid the entry of harmful pests and diseases through imported pears. The revision shows the government’s ongoing efforts to increase plant quarantine standards, align import protocols with international best practices, and safeguard domestic crops from biosecurity risks. Importers and exporters handling fresh fruit shipments are advised to review the new requirements carefully to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

Subject

Summary: The Central Government has published the draft Insecticides (Amendment) Rules, 2025, under Section 36 of the Insecticides Act, 1968, for public consultation. The notification invites objections and suggestions from individuals, industry stakeholders, and relevant organizations likely to be affected by the proposed amendments. Feedback must be submitted within thirty days from the date the notification is made available in the Gazette of India. Submissions may be sent to the Joint Secretary (Plant Protection), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The proposed amendment modifies Rule 10(1A) of the Insecticides Rules, 1971, by substituting the earlier compliance deadline of June 30, 2024, with a new deadline of June 30, 2026. This extension aims to provide additional time for licensing authorities, manufacturers, and stakeholders to ensure smooth compliance with procedural and safety requirements. The Rules will come into force on their final publication in the Official Gazette. Stakeholders are encouraged to review the draft carefully and submit their comments within the stipulated timeframe.

Subject

Summary: 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.

Subject

Summary: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Ninth Amendment Order, 2025, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. This amendment updates the provisions in Clause 29 of the original 1985 Order concerning the analysis of biostimulant samples. As per the reviewed sub-clause (1C), samples collected by inspectors must now be tested according to procedures listed in Part C of Schedule VI. The analysis will be carried out at the Central Fertiliser Quality Control and Training Institute in Faridabad or its regional labs in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kalyani. Further authorized testing facilities comprise the National Institute of Plant Health Management in Hyderabad, the Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute in Bhavnagar, the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology in Gurugram, and the National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms in Mau. In addition, state governments may elect additional laboratories for biostimulant testing, subject to prior approval by the Central Government. This move aims to simplify and fortify quality control in fertiliser regulation.