Batch number and date of manufacturing repacking

## Report on Biostimulant Labelling Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a government order (S.O. 979(E)) issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, concerning the labelling requirements for biostimulants in India. The order, dated February 26, 2021, specifies the particulars that manufacturers and importers of biostimulants must legibly mark on the container of such products. This includes information related to the manufacturer/importer, marketer (if any), biostimulant name and ingredients, usage directions, net content, batch number, expiry date, maximum retail price, and label claim. This report details these requirements and their potential impact on the biostimulant industry. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a detailed overview of the government order S.O. 979(E) regarding the labelling of biostimulants, based solely on the provided text. This analysis aims to inform stakeholders, particularly manufacturers and importers of biostimulants, about the requirements and implications of this order. **3. Policy Overview:** This is a new policy outlining labelling requirements for biostimulants. * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the provided text, the core objective of this policy is to ensure transparency and provide essential information to consumers regarding biostimulant products, including their composition, usage, and relevant dates, by mandating specific labelling requirements. **4. Background and Rationale:** This is a new policy. Based on the text, the policy likely addresses the need for standardization and transparency in the biostimulant market. Biostimulants, unlike fertilizers or pesticides, may have lacked clear labelling guidelines, potentially leading to inconsistent information available to users. This policy aims to address this gap by providing a standardized framework for labelling, likely promoting informed decision-making by farmers and consumers. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This is a new policy, the text provides a detailed listing of what is required. The main components of this policy mandate that every manufacturer or importer of biostimulants legibly mark the following particulars on the container: 1. **Name of the manufacturer/importer:** This ensures traceability of the product back to its source. 2. **Name of the marketer, if any:** This identifies the entity responsible for marketing the product, which may be different from the manufacturer/importer. 3. **Name of the biostimulant (brand name or trademark):** This clearly identifies the product. The policy specifies that the label must also include the ingredients and their percentage contents. In the case of microbial ingredients, the live microbe count should be expressed as CFU/gm or CFU/ml, providing quantitative information. 4. **Directions for use, dosage, crops, precautions, and storage conditions:** This provides essential information for the proper and safe use of the biostimulant. 5. **Net content:** This indicates the quantity of the product in the container. 6. **Batch number and date of manufacturing/repacking:** This allows for tracking and tracing of the product for quality control purposes. 7. **Expiry date:** This ensures the product is used within its effective period. 8. **Maximum Retail Price of the Product:** Provides price transparency to the end consumer. 9. **Label claim of the product:** States the claimed benefits of the biostimulant. The policy also states two notes: * **Note 1:** The label must be affixed in a way that it cannot be easily removed, preventing tampering or misrepresentation. * **Note 2:** The label must be printed in either English, Hindi, or the regional language of the state where the product is marketed, ensuring accessibility to a wider range of users. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * **Manufacturers and Importers of Biostimulants:** They are directly responsible for complying with the labelling requirements. * **Marketers of Biostimulants:** If different from the manufacturer/importer, they need to ensure the product adheres to the labelling standards. * **Consumers (Farmers, Agricultural Professionals):** They are the ultimate beneficiaries of the improved information provided through the mandated labels. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, is the responsible agency. The order references the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) Control Order, 1985, suggesting the existing regulatory framework for fertilizers may be leveraged for biostimulant oversight. * **Timelines or Procedures:** The text specifies that the order comes into effect immediately upon publication. However, there are no specific timelines outlined for manufacturers/importers to comply. * **Enforcement:** While not explicitly stated in the provided text, enforcement is likely tied to the existing mechanisms under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of this policy, based on the provided text, are: * **Increased Transparency:** Clearer labelling will provide consumers with more information about the product's composition, use, and shelf life. * **Improved Consumer Confidence:** Standardized labelling may increase trust in biostimulant products. * **Enhanced Traceability:** Batch numbers and manufacturing dates will enable better tracking of products for quality control and recall purposes. * **Fair Competition:** Consistent labelling requirements can create a more level playing field for manufacturers and importers. **9. Conclusion:** The government order S.O. 979(E) establishes crucial labelling requirements for biostimulants in India. This policy represents a significant step towards standardizing the biostimulant market, providing consumers with the necessary information to make informed decisions, and promoting fair competition among manufacturers and importers. Compliance with these regulations is essential for all stakeholders involved in the biostimulant industry.

Key Entities Referenced