Sagar Hanuman Singh, the Director-General of the National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), has highlighted a critical need for a formal national soil health framework in India. He believes this framework should be similar to those already established in Europe and the United States. Mr. Singh stated that chemical agriculture has caused significant damage to our soil. He stressed that plant health and human health are closely linked, and therefore, soil health is paramount. “We now need soil health policy, guidelines and rejuvenation programmes at a national scale,” he emphasised during the BioAgri 2025 conference.
During the event, Mr. Singh also raised concerns about the overuse of pesticides. He pointed out that this practice is making many of India’s crops, including the popular chillies from Telangana, unsuitable for export. He urged for immediate action to ensure that Indian agricultural produce remains free from harmful residues and meets international export standards. This is crucial for maintaining India’s position in the global agricultural market.
V Praveen Rao, the Vice-Chancellor of Kaveri University, spoke about the importance of collaboration. He stated that stronger partnerships between public institutions and the biological industry are now essential for transforming Indian agriculture. This collaborative approach can help drive the adoption of more sustainable farming methods.
John Peter, President of the BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), reminded attendees that biological agriculture is not a new concept for India. “We practised biological agriculture eight decades ago,” he said. “Then came the chemical phase. We now need to reverse the trend and reclaim our biological heritage.” He expressed a desire to return to more natural farming practices.
Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary-General of BIPA, shared the association’s plans for growth. “We are exploring overseas expansion beginning with Sri Lanka and have signed an MoU with Kaveri Agri University for skill development,” he announced in a statement. BIPA, which represents over 100 member companies, plays a vital role in supporting innovation, establishing quality standards, and advocating for policies that benefit biological agriculture.
The BioAgri 2025 conference, held under the theme “Nurturing Nature, Nourishing the Future,” brought together over 200 delegates. More than 40 exhibition stalls showcased the latest advancements in biological technologies. The two-day event featured important discussions and sessions covering various aspects of biologicals, biotechnology innovations, climate resilience in agriculture, regulatory changes, and new market trends for sustainable farming practices.