On 17 February 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, issued an important order amending the Fertilisers (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985. The amendment was introduced under the powers conferred by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The amendment, known as the Fertilisers (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Amendment Order, 2025, introduces new changes aimed at better regulating fertiliser products, particularly focusing on nano-Fertilisers and organic carbon enhancers.

Key Amendments to Fertiliser Order

The amendment amends a number of provisions in the Fertiliser Control Order, specifically to include organic carbon enhancers from compressed biogas (CBG) plants. These are substances that play an important role in increasing soil fertility by retaining or increasing organic carbon in the soil, which is essential for plant growth. The amendment addresses two important changes to the control order:

1. Incorporation of organic carbon enhancers

Under the new rules, “nano fertiliser and organic carbon enhancers from Compressed Bio Gas plants" have been added to the list of specific materials to be controlled. This means that organic carbon enhancers produced from CBG plants are now officially recognized in agricultural practices. It also ensures that these enhancers are regulated and can be safely used to improve soil quality.

2. Redefining the organic carbon enhancer

A new definition for "organic carbon enhancer from compressed biogas plants" has been introduced. It states that Organic Carbon Enhancer from Compressed Bio Gas plants means any organic material produced by fermentation process either as a main product or by product, which increases or maintains the organic carbon when applied to soil or plant grow material media having favourable effect on soil and plant growth and is specified in Schedule VIII of the Order.

Importance of the Fertilisers (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Amendment Order, 2025

Incorporation of organic carbon enhancers from CBG plants is expected to have a positive impact on sustainable farming practices. It not only encourages the use of eco-friendly products but also promotes the use of renewable resources such as biogas in agriculture. This will help agricultural industry to grow. By improving soil quality and maintaining organic carbon levels, these amendments contribute to healthier crops and better agricultural production.

This amendment is an important step towards integrating sustainable agricultural practices by recognizing the role of organic carbon enhancers. Incorporation of CBG-based products will help farmers adopt environmentally friendly methods of improving soil health, ultimately contributing to better crop yields and environmental sustainability.

Fertiliser (Control) Amendment Order, 2025: A Step Towards Sustainable Farming with Organic Carbon Enhancers

Mahek Sancheti