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Customized Fertilizer: Guidelines for Manufacturing, Quality Standards and Sale in India

Customized fertilizer is an important approach to improving agricultural productivity by providing crops with nutrients according to their specific needs. Instead of using the same fertilizer formulation everywhere, customized fertilizers are designed based on soil conditions, crop requirements and the stage of plant growth.

The Government of India’s guidelines under Clause 20B of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, as described in the source document, outline the requirements for manufacturing, testing, quality control, labelling and selling customized fertilizers.

In this article, we explain these guidelines in simple language to help fertilizer manufacturers, agricultural professionals, marketers and other interested readers understand the key provisions.

What Is Customized Fertilizer?

Customized fertilizer is a specially formulated fertilizer product designed to supply nutrients according to the needs of a particular crop, soil type and geographical area.

It may contain a combination of primary nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients. Depending on the crop’s requirements, customized fertilizer may also include water-soluble fertilizer formulations intended for different stages of plant growth.

The formulation should be supported by scientific research, soil-testing results and appropriate crop models. The source guidelines mention tools such as the Decision Support System for Agro Technology Transfer (DSSAT) for determining suitable fertilizer grades.

The main objective is to provide balanced plant nutrition, improve fertilizer-use efficiency and support better crop growth and yield.

Objectives of Customized Fertilizer

Customized fertilizer aims to make fertilizer application more scientific, targeted and cost-effective.

Its key objectives include:

• Site-specific nutrient management: Matching fertilizer formulations to local soil conditions and crop requirements.
• Improved fertilizer efficiency: Helping crops use applied nutrients more effectively.
• Balanced plant nutrition: Combining the required nutrients in suitable proportions.
• Better crop growth: Supporting healthy plant development and improved yield potential.
• Cost-effective farming: Reducing unnecessary nutrient application through better planning.
• Stage-specific nutrition: Allowing formulations to meet nutrient requirements at different stages of crop growth.

Eligibility Criteria for Manufacturing Customized Fertilizer

According to the attached guidelines, companies seeking permission to manufacture and sell customized fertilizer must meet specific eligibility conditions.

1. Minimum Annual Turnover

The source document specifies that the manufacturing company must have an annual turnover of at least ₹500 crore.

2. Soil Testing Laboratory

The company must have its own soil-testing facility with an annual analytical capacity of at least 10,000 soil samples.

The laboratory should be equipped to analyse nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK), secondary nutrients and micronutrients, along with the instruments specified in the relevant annexure of the guidelines.

3. Scientific Basis for Fertilizer Formulation

The proposed fertilizer grade must be developed using scientific data obtained from area-specific, soil-specific and crop-specific testing.

The company should work with the relevant agricultural universities or Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to conduct agronomic tests and establish the effectiveness of the proposed formulation.

4. Multilocation Trials

Manufacturers are required to conduct multilocation trials on different crops for at least one season. The source specifically distinguishes these trials from ordinary on-farm demonstrations.

These requirements are intended to ensure that the proposed fertilizer grade has a scientific basis before it is introduced into the market.

Soil Sampling and Analysis Requirements

Soil testing plays a central role in developing customized fertilizer grades.

The guidelines state that manufacturers must collect soil samples from within their operational areas, ensuring that at least one sample is collected from each village.

The resulting data can help identify local nutrient deficiencies and determine suitable fertilizer formulations for different crops and areas.

Manufacturers may also use available scientific soil-testing data from agricultural universities and state governments to prepare soil fertility maps and develop appropriate fertilizer grades for existing and potential markets.

Accurate soil analysis helps manufacturers design products that are better suited to the actual nutritional requirements of crops.

Permission to Manufacture and Sell Customized Fertilizer

Meeting the eligibility criteria does not, by itself, complete the authorization process.

Under the attached guidelines, permission to manufacture and sell a particular customized fertilizer grade is granted by the Joint Secretary (INM), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India.

The application must be submitted in the prescribed format to the designated authority, with intimation to the State Government concerned.

The source document specifies the following conditions:

• Permission is granted for a particular fertilizer grade and a specific geographical area.
• The approval period must not exceed three years.
• The manufacturer must begin production and sales within six months of receiving permission.
• The competent authority is expected to communicate the authorization decision within 45 days of receiving the application.

Manufacturers should consult the applicable official forms and current regulatory instructions before submitting an application.

Renewal and Revision of Customized Fertilizer Grades

Customized fertilizer formulations may need to be reviewed as new soil data, crop requirements or research findings become available.

According to the source guidelines, manufacturers must submit a renewal or revision application when the three-year approval period ends, or earlier if required.

If no change to the previously approved composition is necessary, the manufacturer should declare this in the application.

The guidelines state that the competent authority should provide its decision within 45 days of receiving the application. They also describe a deemed-approval provision where an acknowledged application may be treated as official approval if no decision is issued within that period.

Because this provision has legal implications, manufacturers should verify its current applicability and any subsequent amendments before relying on it.

Customized Fertilizer Grades and Minimum Nutrient Content

Customized fertilizer grades should be developed according to area-specific and crop-specific soil-testing results.

The manufacturer, preferably in association with agricultural universities or KVKs, should conduct agronomic testing to establish the effectiveness of the proposed grade. The source also recommends continuing these tests for at least one season.

The attached guidelines specify that a proposed customized fertilizer grade must contain at least 30 units of combined nutrients.

For subsequent area-specific grades approved by the designated authority, the manufacturer is required to inform the competent authority at least 45 days before introducing the grade into the market. The source states that no separate formal approval is necessary for such grades when they are based on the required scientific data and fall within the applicable provisions.

Raw Materials Used in Customized Fertilizer Manufacturing

The source guidelines describe several arrangements for obtaining subsidized fertilizers used as raw materials.

Domestic Purchase

Domestic manufacturers of subsidized fertilizers may supply the required quantities to customized fertilizer manufacturers. Eligibility for subsidy is governed by the applicable Department of Fertilizers rules.

Captive Use

A domestic manufacturer of subsidized fertilizer may supply the necessary material to its own manufacturing unit for producing customized fertilizer, subject to the relevant subsidy policy.

Import of Fertilizers

Customized fertilizer manufacturers may import subsidized fertilizers under the applicable Government of India policy, within their realistic requirements.

The source document also describes the possibility of allocating subsidized fertilizers to states for use as raw materials and, where permitted, importing specified fertilizers not included in Schedule I of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985.

All such activities must comply with the applicable government policies and subsidy conditions.

Quality Standards for Customized Fertilizer

Maintaining consistent product quality is essential for reliable fertilizer performance.

The attached guidelines specify the following physical quality requirements for customized fertilizers intended for soil application.

Quality parameter	Requirement stated in the source
Granule size	At least 90% should pass within the 1–4 mm IS sieve size range
Material below 1 mm	Must not exceed 5%
Moisture content	Must not exceed 1.5%
Foliar application grades	Must be 100% water-soluble

Manufacturers must also adhere to the product specifications approved by the Ministry.

These requirements help maintain uniformity and ensure that the fertilizer supplied to customers matches the approved formulation.

Quality Testing and Sample Analysis

The guidelines prescribe procedures for drawing and analysing fertilizer samples.

Sample Collection

The method of collecting fertilizer samples must follow the relevant provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985.

The source specifies a sample weight of 400 grams under the referenced provisions.

Laboratory Analysis

Fertilizer analysis must follow the procedures prescribed in the applicable order. The attached document states that the entire 400-gram sample should be powdered when preparing the sample for laboratory analysis under the referenced procedure.

Tolerance Limits

The tolerance limits applicable to NPK mixtures and NPK fertilizers containing micronutrients are also applied to customized fertilizers under the source guidelines.

The document further states that the tolerance limit should not exceed 3% for all nutrients, particularly where secondary and micronutrients are present alongside NPK.

Manufacturers should check the current official provisions for the precise sampling, analytical and tolerance requirements applicable to their products.

Labelling Requirements for Customized Fertilizer Bags

Clear labelling allows farmers and distributors to identify the product and understand its intended use.

The attached guidelines specify that fertilizer bags should display:

1. The words “Customized Fertiliser.”
2. The name of the crop for which the fertilizer is recommended.
3. The geographical area for which the product is recommended.
4. The fertilizer grade and nutrient contents.

The source also recommends tamper-proof packaging to help prevent adulteration.

Manufacturers should ensure that the label accurately reflects the approved grade and intended application.

Pricing of Customized Fertilizer

The guidelines state that manufacturers are responsible for fixing a reasonable maximum retail price (MRP) for each approved customized fertilizer grade.

Pricing should take relevant factors into consideration.

For farmers, it is useful to compare the product’s price with its nutrient composition, suitability for the intended crop and the recommendations provided through soil testing.

A higher-priced fertilizer is not automatically the best choice for every field. Its suitability depends on the crop’s nutritional needs and the product’s approved use.

General Regulatory Conditions

The source document states that permission to manufacture customized fertilizer is restricted to fertilizer manufacturing companies holding the required manufacturing certificate and authorization to sell fertilizers in the relevant state.

It also specifies that the provisions of the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, apply to the manufacture and sale of customized fertilizer.

Companies should therefore review the applicable central and state requirements before beginning production, distribution or sales.

Benefits of Customized Fertilizer for Agriculture

When developed and used correctly, customized fertilizer can support a more targeted approach to crop nutrition.

Some potential benefits include:

• Better matching of fertilizer nutrients to soil conditions.
• More balanced nutrient application.
• Improved fertilizer-use efficiency.
• Support for healthy crop development.
• More informed fertilizer selection based on scientific data.
• Potential cost savings when nutrient application is planned appropriately.

Actual results depend on soil conditions, crop variety, weather, irrigation, farming practices and the suitability of the fertilizer formulation. Customized fertilizer should not be considered a guarantee of higher yields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is customized fertilizer?

Customized fertilizer is a fertilizer formulation designed to meet the nutrient requirements of a particular crop, soil and geographical area. It may contain primary, secondary and micronutrients.

2. What is the minimum annual turnover mentioned in the guidelines?

The attached source specifies a minimum annual turnover of ₹500 crore for companies seeking permission to manufacture and sell customized fertilizer.

3. What soil-testing capacity is required?

The source specifies an annual soil-analysis capacity of at least 10,000 samples, covering NPK, secondary nutrients and micronutrients.

4. How long is permission to manufacture a customized fertilizer grade valid?

According to the source document, permission for a particular grade and area may be granted for a period not exceeding three years.

5. When must manufacturing and sales begin after permission is granted?

The attached guidelines require the manufacturing company to begin its manufacturing and sales process within six months of receiving permission.

6. What is the minimum combined nutrient content specified?

The source specifies a minimum of 30 units of combined nutrients in a proposed customized fertilizer grade.

7. What moisture limit is specified for customized fertilizer?

For the product covered by the stated physical specifications, the moisture content must not exceed 1.5%.

8. What information should appear on customized fertilizer packaging?

The source requires the product designation, recommended crop, geographical area, fertilizer grade and nutrient contents to be indicated on the bags.

9. Are water-soluble customized fertilizers included?

Yes. The source describes water-soluble specialty fertilizer combinations and specifies that grades intended for foliar application should be 100% water-soluble.

10. Where should manufacturers apply for permission?

The attached guidelines identify the Joint Secretary (INM), Department of Agriculture and Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, as the authority responsible for granting permission under the described procedure. Applicants should verify the current department name, competent authority and application process before filing.