Inspired by frequent bans on agri commodity exports to European countries due to their stringent pesticides residual norms, Delhi-based Camson Bio Technologies is developing Intragenic technology to help farmers sow one seed with many traits. The first of its kind of technology will help farmers reduce use of fertilizers and pesticides in addition to raise output, said Dhirendra Kumar, manaing director of Camson Bio Technologies, in an interview with Dilip Kumar Jha. Excerpts:
How will the intragenic technology benefit Indiam agriculture sector?
The issue of chemical pesticides spreading poison in the ground water has been attracting a lot of attention globally. We offer a solution with their biocides. We recently tied-up with Holland-based Wageningen University & Research Centre (WUR), the pioneer in cisgenic technology, which offers transfer of genes between two varieties. We are also studying this technology transfer at our research and development.
We have gone a step beyond and pioneered Intragenic Technology in India which enables transfer of genes between two related species. For example: From tomato to chilli. We are confident that we would be able to offer a superior variety of seed which is tolerant to adverse climatic conditions, pests, diseases and yet delivers bountiful yields in harmony with nature. Camson attracts the attention of many reputed research institutions for its pioneering work in cutting edge technology. The result of our unique research is visible in our product range and efficacy.
What makes Camson different from other players in agri technology market?
We are unique, being the only company that manufactures biocides from secondary metabolites obtained from microbes. These are eco-friendly and safe alternatives compared to the poisonous pesticides which drain the soil of beneficial microbes and pollute the land and water table. Our scientists have invented these products after nearly two decades of hard work.
We have initiated the process to patent these products and are all set to provide a safer option for a $45-billion global agro-chemical market. Scientists at Camson are working on path breaking research like intragenic, cisgenic, metagenomics, bioinformatics, marker assisted breeding, creating male sterile line, etc.,
Why biocides?
Deteriorating quality of land due to frequent use of fertiliser and chemicals has kept the yield of many agri commodities including oilseeds and pulses stagnant for the last several years. Shrinking of land bank has also been noticed due to rapid urbanisation resulting into rampant shift in sowing pattern depending upon the price. Many companies involved in seed business have developed technology within the commodity. But, we require to develop seeds to transfer technology in other commodities also for sustainable development in agri output.
However, in India the agro chemical market continues to grow at a modest pace as we are late to react on most of these issues. The government recently banned the sale of endosulfan after it had already been banned by over 80 countries in the past few years.
Nevertheless, a ban on such harmful poisonous products sends across encouraging signals to the agri-biotech industry, especially to companies offering bio-solutions. Camson is well placed with its biocides to replace such harmful pesticides and provide residue-free vegetables/fruits to the market.
Is awareness a major challenge of these biocides?
Alongwith the government, farmers are also looking for an alternative to use of fertiliser and pesticides. Today farmers have better awareness of the environment and health degradation caused by pesticides as they are the first to be impacted.
Farmers have begun to supplement their agro-needs with bio-options and in some cases completely replaced the use of chemical pesticides with biocides. Almost all farmers put some bio-product or the other to give strength to the growth of plants along with chemical inputs. They are always looking to reduce chemical input with bio solutions.
Today, atleast the cash crop farmers have become smart entrepreneurs through deploying modern methods of farming, expensive agri-inputs like hybrid seeds and capital intensive water management solutions like drip irrigation to harvest a better crop. He is willing to invest and experiment with new technology as he understands the need to safeguard the quality of soil and quality of life.
How has been the response of biocides in India ?
We have seen a great response for our products from farmers. Once a farmer experiments with our products and sees the benefits, he is hooked for life. There have been many instances when our products have worked even where chemical pesticides have been ineffective.
Insects develop faster resistance against chemical pesticides compared to our products where no resistance is developed. This is due to the fact that it is bio and with no residue remaining, new generation insects do not develop resistance. Farmer acceptability increases when they see product performing at their own farms, which is what our sales force does with numerous demonstrations.
