CFTRI, IPFT explore collaboration on bio-based technologies

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An industry interaction-cum-workshop on “Biopesticides and Biostimulants: Formulation Technologies and Regulatory Strategies” was organised at Central Food Technological Research Institute (CSIR-CFTRI), Mysuru, on Wednesday, bringing together scientists, industry representatives, technical experts and other stakeholders to discuss advances in sustainable crop-protection technologies, bio-based agricultural inputs and regulatory strategies.

Mohana K.R. Mudiam, director, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), in his address, emphasised the importance of strengthening the Academia–Industry–Regulatory (AIR) interface for translating scientific innovations into practical agricultural solutions.

Highlighting the genesis and legacy of IPFT, he noted the institute’s role in developing formulations tailored to client and industry requirements. IPFT has developed 86 formulations, of which 64 have been transferred, demonstrating its strong technology-development and commercialisation capabilities.

He also highlighted IPFT’s growing focus on advanced research areas, including dsRNA-based pesticide formulations, biopesticides, biostimulants and other bio-based agri-inputs, along with its inclusion in the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) and enhanced international engagement through the OPCW-sponsored Analytical Skills Development Course (ASDC).

Speaking on the occasion, Giridhar Parvatam, director, CSIR-CFTRI, emphasised that the successful development of biopesticides requires a deeper understanding of active ingredients, formulation behaviour, stability, biological variability and batch-to-batch consistency. He stressed the need for scientifically validated analytical methods and sustainable formulation strategies to ensure reliable performance and quality.

He also highlighted the contributions of CSIR-CFTRI in food science, food safety and sustainable technologies, and underlined the scope for joint collaboration between CSIR-CFTRI and IPFT in the development, characterisation and validation of biopesticides and related bio-based technologies.

V. Raju, former senior official of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka, drew attention to the broader public-health implications of environmental pollutants and pesticide exposure among vulnerable populations and emphasised the need for adequate safety precautions, particularly for pregnant women engaged in farm activities, to minimise occupational exposure to pesticides.

B.N. Mohana, joint director and head, CIPET Mysuru, emphasised the importance of understanding farmers’ needs while developing new technologies. He stressed that stronger technical collaboration among research institutions, industry and other stakeholders is essential for converting scientific developments into affordable, scalable and field-relevant solutions.

Sakti Prasad Dhua, founder chairman, IPFT, reflected on the challenges encountered during his professional career and the urgency that led to the development of pesticide formulation technology and the establishment of dedicated institutional capabilities in this field. Sharing his experiences in formulation technology, environmental safety and institution building, he highlighted the importance of integrating scientific innovation with environmental responsibility.

The workshop also featured technical sessions on innovations in biopesticide and biostimulant formulations, bio-efficacy and phytotoxicity evaluation, analytical requirements and quality standardisation of biostimulants, and next-generation greener fumigants for protection of stored food commodities. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion on industry perspectives and opportunities for future research and institutional collaboration.

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