Types of Agriculture Licenses in India for 2025

Agriculture is a cornerstone of India’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods. To regulate agricultural activities and ensure quality, safety, and compliance, the government mandates various licenses for businesses involved in trading, manufacturing, or exporting agricultural products. These licenses, issued by central and state authorities, govern activities like selling fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and food products. In 2025, with digital platforms like e-NAM and initiatives like the PM Vishwakarma Scheme streamlining processes, understanding the types of agriculture licenses is essential for farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs. This article details the key agriculture licenses in India, their purposes, and regulatory frameworks.

1. Fertilizer License

• Purpose: Required for manufacturing, selling, or distributing chemical or organic fertilizers (e.g., urea, DAP, compost) to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Fertilizer (Control) Order, 1985, under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Types:
  • Retail/Wholesale License: For selling fertilizers at shops or warehouses.
  • Manufacturing License: For producing fertilizers.
• Key Requirements:
  • Educational qualification: B.Sc. (Agriculture/Chemistry) or Diploma in Agriculture for new district-level retail licenses; no qualification needed for renewals before July 30, 2018.
  • Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, business registration, premises proof, and source/quality certificates for state dealers.
  • Fee: Varies (e.g., ₹500 for seed license renewal in Odisha).
• Application Process: Apply online via state portals (e.g., odishaagrilicense.nic.in) or offline at District Agriculture Offices. Approval takes ~45 days.
• Example: In Uttar Pradesh, apply through upagriculture.com for retail licenses.

2. Pesticide/Insecticide License

• Purpose: Regulates the sale, distribution, or manufacturing of pesticides and insecticides to ensure safe use and environmental protection.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Insecticides Act, of 1968, and enforced by state agriculture departments.
• Types:
  • Retail/Wholesale License: For selling pesticides.
  • Manufacturing License: For producing insecticides.
• Key Requirements:
  • Educational qualification: B.Sc. (Agriculture/Chemistry), 1-year Diploma in Agriculture with Plant Protection course, or 12-week training from Agriculture Science Center (for licenses before February 1, 2017).
  • Documents: Aadhaar, educational certificates, premises proof, and fee payment.
  • Fee: Varies by state (e.g., ₹1,000–₹5,000).
• Application Process: Online through portals like ppqs.gov.in or state platforms (e.g., West Bengal’s pesticide licensing system); offline at local agriculture offices.
• Note: Expired licenses cannot be renewed; a new application is required.

3. Seed License

• Purpose: Ensures the sale and distribution of certified, high-quality seeds to farmers for crops like wheat, rice, or millet.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Seeds Act, 1966, Seeds Rules, 1968, and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983.
• Types:
  • Retail/Wholesale License: For selling seeds.
  • Seed Certification License: For producing certified seeds.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, business registration, premises proof, and source certificate for district-level licenses.
  • Fee: ₹500 for renewal in Odisha; varies by state.
• Application Process: Apply via e-licensing portals (e.g., odishaagrilicense.nic.in) or state agriculture offices. Source certificates are issued online for transparency.
• Example: Maharashtra’s seed licensing details are available on aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in.

4. Food Safety and Standards (FSSAI) License

• Purpose: Mandatory for businesses involved in processing, storing, distributing, or selling agricultural food products (e.g., grains, vegetables, dairy) to ensure quality and safety.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
• Types:
  • Basic Registration: For small businesses with annual turnover below ₹12 lakh.
  • State License: For businesses with turnover between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 crore.
  • Central License: For businesses with turnover above ₹20 crore or those involved in interstate trade/export.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Form A (Basic Registration) or Form B (State/Central License), Aadhaar, PAN, business proof, and premises details.
  • Fee: ₹100 (Basic), ₹2,000–₹7,500 (State/Central).
• Application Process: Online via the FoSCoS portal (foscos.fssai.gov.in) or offline at Food Safety Departments. Approval takes 7–60 days.
• Example: Fruit vendors or dairy units in Prayagraj need FSSAI registration.

5. Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) License

• Purpose: Regulates trading of agricultural produce in mandis, ensuring fair pricing and transparency.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by state-specific APMC Acts, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, address proof (e.g., utility bills), and business registration.
  • Eligibility: Farmers, landlords, or tenants aged 18+ can register.
• Application Process: Register at state APMC offices or online via e-NAM (enam.gov.in) for a unified state license.
• Example: e-NAM allows farmers to trade across state borders without high transport costs.

6. Import Export Code (IEC) License

• Purpose: Required for businesses exporting or importing agricultural products (e.g., rice, spices) to comply with international trade regulations.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, issued by the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: PAN, Aadhaar, bank account details, and business registration.
  • Fee: ₹500 (online application).
• Application Process: Apply online via DGFT’s portal (dgft.gov.in). Approval is typically quick.
• Note: Products with ISI Certification or AGMARK are exempt from pre-shipment inspections under the Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, 1963.

7. AGMARK Certification

• Purpose: A voluntary certification ensuring the quality of agricultural products (e.g., grains, pulses, spices) for domestic and export markets.
• Regulatory Framework: Administered by the Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, under the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act, 1937.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Business registration, test report from AGMARK laboratory, and product samples.
  • Fee: Varies based on product and testing.
• Application Process: Apply through regional AGMARK offices or online via agmarknet.gov.in.
• Example: AGMARK-certified wheat or ghee assures consumers of quality.

8. APEDA Registration

• Purpose: Facilitates the export of agricultural and processed food products (e.g., fruits, vegetables, cereals) by providing certification and market access.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act, 1985.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: IEC, FSSAI license, business registration, and export contract details.
  • Fee: ₹5,000–₹10,000 (registration-cum-membership certificate).
• Application Process: Register online via apeda.gov.in.
• Example: APEDA supported Bihar’s Buyer-Seller Meet in May 2025 to boost exports.

9. e-NAM Registration

• Purpose: Enables farmers and traders to sell agricultural produce online through a transparent, unified national market, reducing dependency on physical mandis.
• Regulatory Framework: Managed by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) under the e-NAM scheme.
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, address proof, and photograph.
  • Eligibility: Farmers, buyers, or sellers aged 18+.
• Application Process: Register on enam.gov.in by selecting beneficiary type (farmer/buyer) and uploading documents.
• Example: e-NAM’s unified state license allows cross-state trading.

10. Dairy Plant Registration

• Purpose: Regulates dairy businesses (e.g., milk chilling units, processing plants) to ensure hygiene and quality.
• Regulatory Framework: Governed by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD).
• Key Requirements:
  • Documents: Business registration, FSSAI license, and premises proof.
  • Fee: Varies by state.
• Application Process: Apply through DAHD or state animal husbandry departments.
• Example: Milk vendors in Prayagraj need this registration alongside FSSAI.

Conclusion

In 2025, agriculture licenses in India—ranging from fertilizer and pesticide licenses to FSSAI, AGMARK, and APEDA certifications—play a vital role in ensuring quality, safety, and market access. Each license serves a specific purpose, governed by laws like the Fertilizer (Control) Order, Insecticides Act, or FSSAI Act. Farmers and businesses must choose the appropriate license based on their activity, applying through digital platforms like odishaagrilicense.nic.in, foscos.fssai.gov.in, or enam.gov.in, or via state agriculture offices. For detailed guidance, visit www.india.gov.in, www.apeda.gov.in, or state portals like upagriculture.com, and secure the right license to thrive in India’s dynamic agricultural sector.

 

Keywords: Agriculture licenses India 2025, fertilizer license, pesticide license, FSSAI license, APEDA registration, e-NAM, AGMARK certification.