"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
7 Jan 2024
Are farmers finding new ways to combat crop loss due to climate change? Pune scientists have developed groundbreaking solutions to help farmers increase crop yields while reducing their reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Pune startup BioPrime AgriSolutions, founded by Dr. Renuka Diwan, Dr. Shekhar Bhosale, and Dr. Amit Shinde, has introduced SNIPR, a technology that harnesses the power of naturally-occurring microorganisms. By treating tomato plants at the seedling nursery stage, farmers observed minimal transplantation shock and plant deaths, showcasing tangible benefits.
The startup collaborated with local nurseries to treat thousands of plants using a bio-stimulant containing a unique blend of biomolecules. The treated crops exhibited resilience and improved performance compared to the surrounding fields, attracting the attention of farmers in the region.
Recognizing the potential of this technology, farmers began adopting BioPrime's products, such as Verdant, Fortisea, and Chiron. These eco-friendly solutions have prevented significant crop losses caused by untimely weather events for hundreds of farmers across Maharashtra and other states in India.
BioPrime addresses the imbalances caused by modern agriculture practices by stimulating the plants to allocate resources towards nourishing and engaging with beneficial microorganisms. Their proprietary screening platform, SNIPR, helps identify trigger molecules that activate dormant pathways in crops, making them more tolerant to extreme climatic conditions.
With field-level testing and regulatory approvals, BioPrime aims to bring pride and profitability back to farmers while enhancing their climate resilience. Their innovative solutions offer hope for sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change.