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HomePosts Tagged "biotechnology"
Agri Genomics, Agribiotechnology, Agrotech, India, Opinions

 By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer, BioPrime Agrisolutions 

A sustainable and resilient agricultural future is built on biotechnology, which is more than just a tool for increasing crop output. Startups are leading this change by using state-of-the-art technologies to provide comprehensive solutions that help consumers, farmers, and the environment.

Biotechnology has emerged as one of the most transformative forces in the agricultural sector, addressing some of the most critical challenges: food security, environmental sustainability, and resilience to climate change. Over the last few decades, advances in this field have paved the way for more efficient, sustainable, and precise farming practices. Today, the convergence of biotechnology with data science, genomics, and precision agriculture has redefined how we think about crop production and farm management.

At its core, agricultural biotechnology applies biological principles and tools to enhance crop productivity, improve resilience, and reduce dependency on chemical inputs. Some of the key applications include:

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): GM crops were one of the earliest breakthroughs in agricultural biotechnology. These crops, such as Bt cotton and herbicide-resistant soybeans, were engineered to confer pest resistance and herbicide tolerance. As of 2021, more than 190 million hectares of GM crops were cultivated globally, with the U.S., Brazil, and India leading the adoption.

Success Story: Bt cotton, introduced in India in 2002, drastically reduced the need for chemical pesticides and increased yields. Today, more than 95 per cent of cotton grown in India is Bt cotton, contributing significantly to the country’s agricultural GDP.

CRISPR-Cas9 and Gene Editing: The CRISPR revolution has taken biotechnology to new heights by enabling precise genetic modifications. Unlike traditional GMOs, CRISPR can “edit” genes within the crop itself without introducing foreign DNA. This tool has been used to improve drought tolerance in wheat and increase yield potential in rice.

Success Story: Corteva Agriscience has developed a CRISPR-edited variety of waxy corn with improved starch properties, providing enhanced value for the food processing industry.

Microbial Solutions for Soil and Plant Health: The focus has shifted to the soil and plant microbiome as a critical component of agricultural sustainability. Microbes play an essential role in nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and plant immunity. Advances in microbiome research have identified beneficial microbes that can enhance nutrient uptake, improve stress tolerance, and even protect against pathogens.

Success Story: The Bioprime’s Bionexus platform has revolutionised microbial research by building India’s largest plant-associated microbe library that houses 18000 + microbes from 13 agro-climatic zones and 3 biodiversity hotspots. These solutions are designed to replace or reduce the consumption of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides while maintaining high productivity.

In the global market, Pivot, a U.S.-based company, uses engineered microbial strains to improve nitrogen fixation and reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilisers.

Biostimulants and Secondary Metabolites: Biostimulants such as seaweed extracts, humic acids, and microbial metabolites are gaining momentum due to their ability to enhance plant growth and boost resilience naturally. Bioprime’s proprietary SNIPR platform uses secondary metabolite-based signalling molecules to prime crops for stress tolerance, effectively mitigating the impact of abiotic stresses like drought, heat and salinity.

RNA Interference (RNAi): RNAi technology offers a targeted approach to pest and disease management by silencing specific genes in pests or pathogens. Monsanto’s SmartStax Pro corn, which uses RNAi technology to combat corn rootworm, is a landmark product in this category.

Precision Agriculture Meets Biotechnology: The integration of biotechnology with precision agriculture allows for a more data-driven approach to crop management. By leveraging IoT devices, drones, and AI models, farmers can apply biostimulants and biopesticides in a targeted manner, ensuring maximum efficiency and sustainability.

Case Study: Syngenta’s digital platform combines biological products with precision tools, enabling real-time monitoring of soil health, crop growth, and pest pressures. This helps farmers apply the right inputs at the right time, reducing waste and improving outcomes.

To read more click: https://agrospectrumindia.com/e-magazine

 By Dr Renuka Diwan, Co-founder & Chief

Agrotech, Company News, India, R&D, Seeds, Start ups

 This partnership aims to revolutionise seed research through advanced satellite surveillance and AI-powered technology.

 Arya.ag, India’s largest and only profitable grain commerce platform, announced its collaboration with Bioseed, a visionary player in the agriculture sector. This partnership ushers a new era in farm surveillance and data-driven decision-making with Arya.ag’s satellite surveillance product, Prakshep, combined with the power of Artificial Intelligence ‘VaMa’.

Bioseed’s subscribed farms are poised to benefit from Arya.ag’s state-of-the-art data-rich datasets, enriched APIs, and dynamic maps. This collaboration carefully informs how seeds perform in various agroclimatic zones and prepares a suitable package of practice, assuring the utmost quality and dependability of data outputs.

“This partnership underscores our steadfast commitment to harnessing satellite technology for climate resilience. Bioseed stands out in biotechnology, and we are happy to partner with them to offer data-driven insights through farm monitoring. Our unified vision is to empower farmers to make informed decisions and fortify them against climate uncertainties,” remarked Anand Chandra, Executive Director and co-founder at Arya.ag.

Arya.ag uses various data sources, including satellite imagery, weather data, market trends, and ground images, to monitor thousands of demo plots and observe crop growth and biotic and abiotic stress. As part of the partnership, Arya.ag will link farm and village analytics to provide users with in-depth insights into farm performance including, Vegetation Maps, Moisture Maps, Biotic Stress Maps, Abiotic Stress Maps, Nutrient Stress Maps, and targeted surveys for early control, irrigation management, and soil sampling locations.

“Arya.ag’s AI-driven platform, paired with our deep-rooted expertise in the agricultural field, promises a more informed future for Indian farmers. Physical Monitoring is often time-consuming and expensive, and there also exists a challenge of human bias. We are impressed with how Arya.ag has aligned their technology to integrate our strengths,” said Sreekanth Chundi, Executive Director & Business Head, Shriram Bioseed Genetics.

This collaboration aims to stir up the agri ecosystem through remote farm scouting, anomaly detection, and robust growth tracking using Arya’s web and mobile application. Arya.ag’s adherence to data privacy ensures that Bioseed’s sensitive farm data remains secure and private. A unified goal of technological development and sustainability in the agricultural industry results from the collaboration.

 This partnership aims to revolutionise seed research

Award, Company News, World

The substrate offers high sensitivity, ranging from the nanogram down to the picogram level

Neogen Corporation announced that its K-Blue Luminescent ONE has won the 2023 Best Innovative Luminol-Based Substrate award at the International Life Sciences Awards 2023.

K-Blue Luminescent ONE, which was released in the U.S. and Canada in 2022, is an innovative, one-bottle chemiluminescent substrate designed to create a simpler workflow while minimising mixing errors and reducing plastic waste. The substrate offers high sensitivity, ranging from the nanogram down to the picogram level, and is optimised to emit light at 430 nanometers. It is now available in 35 countries worldwide.

“We are honoured to have received this award and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to providing innovative and high-quality substrates to diagnostic kit manufacturers,” said John Adent, Neogen’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Neogen’s certified quality management system, which oversees all aspects of the development and manufacturing processes, has helped K-Blue Luminescent ONE earn a reputation for providing consistent, high-quality results. We are proud to provide novel solutions that our customers can trust.”

The International Life Science Awards is an annual recognition event organised by Global Health & Pharma Magazine. These awards highlight and celebrate organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of life sciences on an international level. The awards typically cover various categories within the life sciences sector, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical research, healthcare solutions, and more.

With over 30 years of experience developing and manufacturing ELISA test kits, substrates, and reagents, Neogen provides the support and products that enable dependable and reliable results, including an extensive line of forensic and research ELISA test kits, substrates, and reagents for immunoassay applications, testing equipment packages, and experienced technical support.

The substrate offers high sensitivity, ranging from

AgroPolicy, India, R&D

The two countries to hold comprehensive talks between delegations comprising academia, R&D Institutes and Industry in the field of S&T and Biotechnology

India and Argentina have agreed to a bilateral exchange of young researchers and Startups, particularly in the field of Biotechnology and Agriculture.

This was stated by Dr Jitendra Singh Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; when the Governor of Santa Fe province of Argentina, Omar Angel Perotti called on him, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

The two countries also decided to hold comprehensive talks between delegations comprising academia, R&D Institutes and Industry in the field of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, said the Minister.

Dr Jitendra Singh mentioned that a new Indo-Argentina call for joint proposals was launched on February 7, 2023, in the research areas of Energy Transition and Biotechnology jointly during his meeting with Argentina’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Daniel Filmus in New Delhi. A total of 82 joint proposals were received under the said call. These are under the evaluation process.

Santa Fe Province accounts for as many as 8 of these joint proposals, said Perotti, adding that the province also accounts for about 80 per cent of bilateral trade between India and the Latin American nation. The Governor mentioned that Santa Fe is the hub of R&D institutions in Biotechnology and Agricultural research especially in Soyabean, and close tie-ups with universities and industry in the province. Pioneering work has been done here in disease-resistant seed production, he said.

The Indian delegation evinced interest in collaborating in Geospatial technology, Quantum Computation and Bio-Enzymes. It was pointed out that India has the world’s third largest Startup ecosystem and there is huge potential for joint studies and collaboration at various levels such as institutional, universities and multilateral fora.

The two countries to hold comprehensive talks

India, Interaction, Sustainable Energy

Focal Theme: “Science & Technology: Development with Women Empowerment”

The Indian Science Congress (ISC), being held from 3rd to 7th January 2022 at Nagpur would focus on scientific development in India under a feminine veil keeping in view the women empowerment and socio-political changing scenario.

The Theme of 108th Indian Science Congress therefore has been aptly chosen as “SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY for SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT with WOMEN EMPOWERMENT”.

The forthcoming ISC has been designed to celebrate the spirit of womanhood and their remarkable contribution in the field of Science and Technology. In sync with their natural gift to generate, women have stood out as a true harbinger and have led the foundation of a number of innovative and niche developments and discoveries. The Congress aims to address all the key issues that are obstacles to the growth of Women in the fields of Science & Technology.

As per the precedence, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi would inaugurate the 108th Indian Science Congress on 3rd January 2023. Eminent scientists, industry leaders, technocrats, policy makers and academicians would grace the occasion.

Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), one of the premier educational institutions of central India, established in 1923 & hence celebrating centennial year of establishment, will be playing the role of the ‘host university’ for ISC.

A key highlight of the event is the Pride of India (PoI)-Mega Science Exhibition that has emerged as a unique platform for organisations from both public and prvicate sectors to showcase their achievements in science and technology.

Vigyan Jyot (Flame of Knowledge) remains lit at the venue of the Indian Science Congress PoI Expo for the duration of the Congress. Lakhs of students, dignitaries and general public visit Vigyan Jyot every year and take an oath to spread the awareness of science.

A dedicated pavilion called the Hall of Pride will portray the life journey of unique personalities who have created indelible mark not just in India but globally in the field of science and technology.

Established in 1914, Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is the premier Indian Science Community organisation. For the last 107 years, ISCA has been bringing together has been bringing together the entire scientific fraternity to discuss the key issues related to various streams of science.

Thrust Areas:

Defence  Nanotechnology  Agriculture  Biodiversity  Biotechnology  Environmental Science  Bio energy  Renewable Energy  Medical Sciences  Climate change  Electronic Sector  Space Science & Technology  ICT  Transportation  Child health care  Water Management  Technologies for physically challenged  Science education for women  Skill development  Startup  Innovation

Focal Theme: “Science & Technology: Development with

Poultry

The minister inaugurated the integrated farming unit of “Moringa and Backyard Poultry” at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, Telangana

Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has inaugurated the integrated farming unit of “Moringa and Backyard Poultry” at ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad, Telangana on July 1, 2022. “The Poultry Farming is one of the most important ways to alleviate malnutrition in the rural areas providing an additional income to the poor families and nutritional security to the poor and landless farmers”, said Giriraj Singh.

The Union Minister appreciated the performance of the improved Chicken Germ Plasm developed at the Directorate. He stated that the Directorate is striving hard to develop the suitable technologies for both the commercial & backyard poultry and also in the new frontier areas of nutrition, health and biotechnology.

Singh accentuated the model will help in reducing the feed cost and competitiveness for human food like Maize and Soybean. He also urged to encourage the youths to take-up the technology through start-ups. The need for exploring the possibility of branding and marketing of Moringa Fed Chicken Egg and Meat was stressed by the Union Minister.

The Guest of Honour, Dr G Narendra Kumar, IAS, Director General, National Institute for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Hyderabad accentuated on the collaboration between the two organisations for the farmers’ welfare and benefits.

The minister inaugurated the integrated farming unit of “Moringa and

Agro Universities

The study was conducted by Prof Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, faculty of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras and Rekha Rajesh, Research Scholar, IIT Madras

Indian Institute of Technology Madras researchers have identified a bacterium that can turn agricultural waste into industrial enzymes through a cost-effective and environment-friendly process.

Industrial enzymes such as alpha-amylase and cellulase are in high demand in various industries that deal with textiles, paper, detergents, and pharmaceuticals. The IIT Madras researchers studied how a bacteria called ‘Bacillus sp PM06’ can aid in producing industrial enzymes and value-added products from agricultural waste.

The study was conducted by Prof Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, faculty of the Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras and Rekha Rajesh, Research Scholar, IIT Madras. The findings of the research have been published in the reputed peer-reviewed journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery.

Highlighting the key applications of the research, Prof Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, said, “The organism which we have isolated has a fermentation capacity to hydrolyse very low-cost lignocellulosic wastes without pre-treatment, thus reducing the cost of bioprocess for production of enzymes and industrial metabolites.”

Further, speaking on how this research compares with existing technology, Prof. Sathyanarayana N Gummadi, said, “The most challenging aspect of bioconversion is the development of a one-step process which includes pre-treatment, enzyme hydrolysis and microbial fermentation thus minimising environmental impact. Many researchers are focused on isolating single microorganism producing multiple enzymes to solve the issues. But, IIT Madras researchers are successful in isolating a novel strain from sugarcane pressmud.”

Thus, the researchers studied the bacteria, Bacillus sp PM06, which was isolated from sugarcane waste press mud. This bacterium helped in the production of industrial enzymes and value-added products from agricultural waste. The wheat barn was found to be the most effective substrate followed by sago waste and rice barn. 

The study was conducted by Prof Sathyanarayana

Agrotech, Cold Storage, R&D

ICAR-DOGR, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled Onion Storage Structure Technology” with Kala Biotech Private Limited through AgrInnovate India Limited

The ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled Onion Storage Structure Technology” with Kala Biotech Private Limited through AgrInnovate India Limited, New Delhi on June 2, 2022.

The Tripartite Technology License Agreement was signed by ICAR-DOGR, Pune, with M/s. Kala Biotech Private Limited and Agrinnovate India, New Delhi.

Dr Major Singh, Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune and Manoj Phutane, Managing Director, M/s. Kala Biotech Private Limited signed the Agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Dr Singh stated that the innovative storage technology will prove as an important intervention for the Onion price stabilisation. He underlined the development of the technology in the Public Private Partnership Mode between the ICAR-DOGR, Pune and Kala Biotech Private Limited.

Dr Singh accentuated that the traditional Onion Storage Technologies are naturally ventilated, small scale and unable to control the losses during the adverse climatic conditions. The modern Controlled Onion Storage Structure will be worthy to store the Onion in bulk quantities and with minimum losses for the storage period of 4 to 6 Months.

ICAR-DOGR, Maharashtra has signed the Technology License Agreement of “Controlled

Agro Universities

Representatives from 16 companies participated in the meet

The ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi recently organised the “Academia-Industry Biotechnology Meet”.

Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) along with Dr Tilak Raj Sharma, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), ICAR and Dr DK Yadava, ADG (Seeds), ICAR graced the meet.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Dr AK Shasany, Director, ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi underlined the Institute’s salient achievements to give an idea of the areas of research and products in hand and others which are likely to be available in future.

The Scientific Staff of ICAR-NIPB, New Delhi and representatives from 16 companies (all across the country and involved in the area of agricultural biotechnology) participated in the meet.

Representatives from 16 companies participated in the