The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, acting under the powers conferred by the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, has issued the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Twelfth Amendment Order, 2025 effective 3 December 2025.
This order introduces new product specifications, specifically for Organic Carbon Enhancer derived from Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, and amends sampling and analysis procedures.
I. New Product and Enforcement Mechanisms
The amendment introduces the “Organic Carbon Enhancer derived from Compressed Biogas plants” as a regulated fertilizer and establishes specific testing and sampling rules:
An Organic Carbon Enhancer derived from CBG plants is included in a new Schedule VIII (along with its standard specifications).
Inspectors are empowered to draw samples of any Organic Carbon Enhancer according to the procedure laid down in Schedule VIII. The Inspector must prepare a sampling details form in duplicate (Form J) and hand one copy to the dealer.
Samples of Organic Carbon Enhancer are to be analyzed in accordance with the procedure in Part C of Schedule VIII at the Regional Centres of Natural and Organic Farming located in Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Gaziabad, Imphal, Jabalpur, Nagpur, and Panchkula, or any other notified laboratory.
Necessary changes are made to Clauses 29 AB, 29 D, and 30 to include the Organic Carbon Enhancer derived from Compressed Bio Gas units in the regulatory, inspection, and penalty provisions.
II. New and Amended Fertilizer Specifications
The Order updates the specifications for several existing fertilizers and introduces multiple new NPK complex grades:
A. Straight Nitrogenous Fertiliser
Urea- N-(n butyl) thiophosphorictriamide (NBPT) is added as serial number 13, with specific standards including Total Nitrogen minimum 46.0%, Biuret content maximum 1.42%, and NBPT concentration minimum 600-900 ppm.
B. N.P.K. Complex Fertiliser
Three new NPK grades are added, all requiring a Particle Size minimum of 90% retained between 1mm and 4mm IS sieve:
- NPK 14:05:21: Minimum 14.0% Total Nitrogen, 5.0% Available Phosphorus (P2O5), and 21.0% Water Soluble Potassium (K2O).
- NPK 14:14:14: Minimum 14.0% Total Nitrogen, 14.0% Available Phosphorus (P2O5), and 14.0% Water Soluble K2O.
- NPK 20-8-12: Minimum 20.0% Total Nitrogen, 8.0% Available Phosphorus (P2O5), and 12.0% Water Soluble Potassium (K2O).
C. Fortified Fertiliser
NPK 14:34:14 fortified with Zinc, Boron and Mo is added, specifying minimum nutrient levels for Zinc (0.50%), Boron (0.20%), and Molybdenum (0.01%).
D. Liquid Fertilizers
Two new liquid fertilizers are added:
- Potassium Acetate (minimum 14.0% Water soluble K2O).
- Liquid Potassium Carbonate (minimum 29.9% Water soluble K2O).
III. Tolerance Limits and Forms
The tolerance limits are consolidated and modified for Customised fertilisers, fortified fertiliser, 100 per cent. Water Soluble Mixture of fertiliser, liquid fertiliser, and benefical fertiliser, setting a tolerance of 0.5 units for each primary nutrient (NPK).
Forms ‘J’ (Sampling Details) and ‘K’ are amended to include the terms “Organic Carbon Enhancer” and “Biostimulant,” expanding the scope of sample collection and inspection documentation.
Form L-1 is amended to include “Organic Carbon Enhancer,” wherever the term “Organic fertilizer” occurs.