Gadkari bats to exclude bio-stimulant industry from strict license norms

Industry divided over move to include it under Fertilizer Control Order, with some wanting fewer clearances, others, no control at all

The move to regulate the bio-stimulant industry by including it as part of the Fertilizer Control Order of 1986, through an amendment, seems to have driven a wedge within the sector. While one section of the industry wants less stringent clearances and licensing, the other is completely opposed to any sort of controls.

According to sources, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, in a letter written last month to agriculture minister Narendra Singh Tomar, had strongly opposed the requirement for stringent technical and scientific research data before seeking a license to produce bio-stimulants as per the amendments.

Bio-stimulants refer to any substance