In an interview with Indian Chemical News, Srinivas K Karavadi, President, INERA (Absolute Group), shares his perspective on making farming more sustainable and boosting productivity for farmers:   

How do you foresee the evolution of crop science impacting agriculture globally?

We're seeing crops become more resilient to extreme weather, diseases, and pests. This means farmers can produce more food with fewer resources, which is crucial as the global population continues to grow. New ag technologies are opening up exciting possibilities, making farming more efficient and sustainable. Ultimately, these advancements will help ensure food security and support livelihoods across different regions.

How does INERA fit into the broader agricultural research landscape in India?

INERA is playing a pivotal role in India's agricultural research scene. While agri research has been around for a long time, there's still a significant gap compared to industries like pharma. We're bridging that gap by bringing cutting-edge products to the table. Our extensive field trials across diverse agro-climatic zones—the largest of their kind in India—showcase our commitment to innovation. By collaborating with farmers, farmer groups, universities, and research institutions, we’re pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable agriculture. Our focus on biological inputs sets us apart, and we're dedicated to driving innovation that directly benefits Indian farmers by improving their crop productivity and resilience.

What are some of the most innovative research projects currently underway at INERA?

We have a lot of exciting projects in the pipeline. For instance, we're developing biocontrols specifically designed to tackle pests like thrips and other emerging threats. We're also working on complementing alternatives to traditional fertilizers like Urea and DAP—products like PHYRO M P, which mobilizes essential nutrients and improves soil health. Additionally, our biostimulants are tailored to address specific crop needs, enhancing growth and resilience. All these products undergo rigorous field trials to ensure they solve specific problems effectively. Plus, we're continuously refining our MSC and UHRS technologies to make our products even more stable and efficient in the field.

What role does biotechnology play in your crop development programs?

Biotechnology is at the heart of everything we do at INERA. It allows us to enhance and improve microbial strains, making them more effective in supporting plant growth and stress resistance. We use proprietary technologies to optimize these microbes and develop precision enzymes through our BCIT platform. Biotechnology also enables us to explore and harness the potential of various microorganisms, peptides, and small molecules, ensuring our products are both innovative and highly effective.

Would you like to share recent breakthroughs in crop improvement or sustainable practices from INERA?

Recently, we introduced PHYRO M P, support farmers during the shortages of phospatic fertlisers, especially DAP that mobilizes essential nutrients and significantly improves soil health. This product not only enhances crop growth but also strengthens the soil's structure. Additionally, we're working on several other products that are set to launch in the coming months, each designed to address specific agricultural challenges. For example, our enhanced MSC encapsulation technology has extended the shelf life of our biological inputs, making them more reliable even in harsh conditions. These advancements are helping us push the boundaries of sustainable agriculture and provide farmers with the tools they need to succeed.

How does INERA collaborate with local farmers, communities, and other organizations and benefit them?

Collaboration is key for us at INERA. We work directly with local farmer groups to showcase the results of our products through farmer demos, comparing them against traditional practices and competitor products. This hands-on approach helps farmers see the benefits firsthand. We also organize training sessions and workshops to educate farmers on how to get the most out of our bio-inputs, ensuring they meet successful metrics like increased yield and improved soil health. By partnering with local communities, we understand their regional crop needs, making our products both effective and accessible. Additionally, our collaborations with research institutions keep us at the forefront of agricultural innovation, providing farmers with the latest and most effective solutions for their fields.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing crop science today, and how is INERA addressing them?

Crop science today faces several major hurdles, including climate change, soil degradation, and pest resistance. At INERA, we're tackling these challenges head-on with our innovative products and solutions. Our STREAC technology helps plants withstand extreme weather and other stressors, while our biofertilizers improve soil health and structure to combat degradation. When it comes to pests, our biocontrols offer sustainable solutions that reduce resistance and environmental impact. Additionally, we're addressing issues like the stability and shelf life of bio-inputs with our MSC technology and improving application efficiency with UHRS, ensuring our solutions are both effective and farmer-friendly. At our core, our products are designed to address climate change, pest resistance, and delivery mechanisms, making agriculture more resilient and sustainable.

How would you explain INERA integrating technology in its research and farming solutions?

Integrating technology is a big part of what makes INERA stand out. We’ve developed our own AI discovery platform, the Nature Intelligence Platform (NIP), which helps us explore and identify the best microorganisms for our products. Our biotech platforms focus on improving formulation and efficacy, ensuring our products work seamlessly in the field. Technologies like STREAC, MSC, UHRS, and BCIT are all tech-driven solutions designed to enhance crop performance and sustainability. We also leverage data analytics to optimize our formulations and predict how they’ll perform in different environments. On the delivery side, our UHRS technology ensures our products are applied efficiently and retained effectively in the field. By blending cutting-edge research with practical farming solutions, we make sure our innovations truly benefit the farmers.

What are the future goals for INERA in the next 5 to 10 years?

Over the next 5 to 10 years, we aim to reach millions of farmers globally, creating an uplifted agricultural economy. We plan to expand our product portfolio with more specialized bio-inputs tailored to different crops and regions. While strengthening our Indian market presence, Global market penetration will remain a big focus—we want farmers around the world to benefit from our solutions. Technologically, we’re committed to continuously refining our proprietary technologies and scaling up our manufacturing capabilities to meet growing demand. Sustainability will remain a key focus, as we strive to further reduce our carbon footprint and promote regenerative agricultural practices. We also aim to strengthen our collaborations with research institutions and educational bodies, ensuring we stay at the forefront of agricultural innovation. Ultimately, our goal is to drive significant advancements in crop science, support sustainable farming globally, and help secure food for future generations.