Hyderabad, Dec 11: Delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address at BIOAGRI 2025, held at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, eminent microbiologist and global BioAgri ambassador Prof. M. S. Reddy, Founder & Chairman of the Asian PGPR Society for Sustainable Agriculture and Professor at Auburn University, USA, called for a nationally coordinated transformation of India’s biological agriculture ecosystem. Addressing regulators, policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and farmers, Prof. Reddy said BIOAGRI has now evolved into “a movement, a platform for collaboration, and a roadmap for the future.”
Prof. Reddy applauded the BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA) for its two-decade-long leadership in shaping India’s biological agriculture sector. “When biologicals lacked identity and credibility, BIPA gave them a community, a platform, and a voice. While others debated feasibility, BIPA built the ecosystem,” he remarked, acknowledging every volunteer, past president and industry partner who contributed to the journey from 2021 to 2024.
Prof. Reddy stressed that agriculture is at a critical inflexion point, with soil fatigue, water stress, climate uncertainties, and global residue challenges affecting both farmers and consumers. In this context, he stated: “Biofertilizers, biostimulants, microbial inoculants and bio-nutrition products are not optional tools anymore. They are pathways for soil regeneration, public health, ecological balance, and farmer welfare.”
He underlined that farmers’ concerns regarding the consistency, validation, and reliability of biologicals must be addressed with honesty and scientific rigour. “These are not criticisms,” he said. “They are truth checks—reminders that our systems must rise to match farmer expectations.”
Prof. Reddy commended the Government of India and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for championing sustainability through initiatives such as: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY); National Mission on Natural Farming; Digital Soil Health Cards; Biofertilizer & Biopesticide missions; Agri-digital ecosystems and Digital Agriculture Mission 2047
He emphasised that India now has the unique advantage of ancient natural farming wisdom, cutting-edge biotechnology, and extraordinary microbial diversity—a combination that can establish India as a global leader in BioAgri.
Calling for a structured national agenda, Prof. Reddy proposed six imperatives:
1. National BioInput Validation Network – Multi-location, long-term trials anchored by ICAR, SAUs and farmers.
2. BioAgri Standards & Regulatory Authority – To ensure scientific rigour, quality, shelf-life norms and truth-in-labelling.
3. Unlock Public R&D – Move microbial innovations from laboratory shelves to farmers’ fields.
4. Government Incentives for Biological Inputs – Align subsidies with soil health and climate goals.
5. District-Level BioAgri Training & Demonstration Centres – Transparent, on-ground learning for farmers.
6. National BioAgri Vision 2040 – A unified, long-term strategy connecting research, regulation, industry and farmer welfare.
He urged the creation of national and state expert committees, including NRI and global specialists, with quarterly review mechanisms to ensure measurable progress.
Prof. Reddy asserted that India is not just ready but uniquely positioned to lead the global BioAg movement “as custodians of microbial biodiversity and pioneers of both ancient and modern agro-sciences.”
Sharing reflections from the recent Maha Kisan Mela 2025 at Kanha Shanti Vanam, he said farmers are eager for trustworthy biological solutions: “Farmers told me: ‘We believe in biology. Stand with us, teach us, prove it, and walk with us.’ Their words remind us that science must be grounded in people’s lives.”
Prof. Reddy concluded with a powerful message: “Let BIOAGRI 2025 be remembered not for imagination alone, but for implementation, collaboration, and national transformation. Biological agriculture is not just the future — it is our present and our pathway.”
He saluted BIPA for its role in shaping the movement, urging the sector to seize this moment to build a Healthy India and a Great India through safe, sustainable and digital agriculture.
