Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) conducted its second B2G Roundtable 2025 at the India Habitat Centre today, bringing together key stakeholders from industry, agriculture ministries, and regulatory bodies to deliberate on the future of India's non-subsidized fertilizer sector.
Titled “Innovate, Regulate, Elevate: Shaping India’s Fertilizer Future”, the event focused on urgent reforms needed to unlock innovation, streamline compliance, and position India as a global hub for specialty agri-inputs. The discussions revolved around six critical themes identified as barriers to progress in the micronutrient, biostimulant, and specialty fertilizer space.
Reforming Outdated Fertilizer Grade Structures
A major concern raised was the reliance on obsolete state-notified fertilizer grades, many of which date back to the 1990s. These static formulations hinder the adoption of science-driven, region-specific products that respond to modern soil health and crop needs. IMMA proposed a dynamic formulation framework that allows manufacturers to innovate within centrally defined nutrient ranges and submit formulations via a unified digital portal. This would ensure farmers receive tailored and effective solutions while maintaining product traceability and performance accountability.
Combating Counterfeit Products through Industry-Led Measures
With counterfeit and substandard fertilizers posing severe risks to crop yield and farmer trust, IMMA emphasized the need for voluntary anti-counterfeiting protocols. These include QR code-based smart labeling, tamper-evident packaging, and digital traceability tools. Member companies are also encouraged to conduct farmer awareness campaigns and adopt traceable inventory practices. IMMA's institutional support will include a grievance redressal framework and legal action against repeat offenders.
One Nation, One Licence: Enhancing Ease of Doing Business
The roundtable called for the urgent creation of a Central Fertilizer Licensing Portal to replace the fragmented state-level registration processes. This would allow manufacturers to upload product details once and secure simultaneous approvals nationwide, eliminating redundant infrastructure requirements like state warehousing. The result: lower costs (estimated savings of Rs 65 lakh per company annually), faster market access, and regulatory transparency, all in line with India’s Digital Governance goals.
Implementation Gaps in Bio-stimulant Regulation
Despite recent recognition of bio-stimulants under the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), state-level rollout is lagging. Many states haven’t updated their digital portals or lab infrastructure, and technical staff remain undertrained. IMMA proposed accepting NABL-accredited lab results in the interim and allowing the sale of pre-June 2025 products until expiry. It also urged immediate training for state chemists to enable proper protocol adherence.
Decriminalization of Non-Subsidized Fertilizer Rules
Another major recommendation was separating non-subsidized fertilizers from the Essential Commodities Act (ECA). These products operate in free-market environments and no longer warrant harsh criminal treatment for technical violations. IMMA suggested a graded violation structure that distinguishes between procedural lapses and fraudulent activity. This shift would promote innovation and reduce regulatory anxiety among bona fide entrepreneurs.
Becoming a Global Fertilizer Manufacturing Hub
With surging demand for micronutrients, bio-stimulants, and water-soluble fertilizers globally, IMMA advocated for a liberalized export policy free of redundant approvals. Domestic producers currently face long delays and asymmetries when compared to importers. The roundtable called for a green channel for exports, a single-window approval platform, and parity in interstate sales regulations to empower Indian manufacturers to compete with global players like China and Turkey.
A Unified Industry Voice
Concluding the event, IMMA stressed the importance of public-private collaboration and presented the roundtable as a platform not just for discussion but for action. The association plans to formally submit its consolidated recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture, supporting the government's goals of Atmanirbhar Krishi and Make in India for the World.
The consensus from the discussions underscored the need for agility, transparency, and trust in policy reforms that will shape India’s agri-input landscape over the coming decade. With global food security, environmental sustainability, and farmer profitability at stake, stakeholders agreed: the time for bold regulatory modernization is now.
