C-CAMP transfers tech of two novel bioactive non-chemical solutions to PI Industries

New Delhi: In a significant step towards boosting deep-science-based Indian innovations with high societal and commercial impact, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has successfully transferred two novel bioactive non-chemical solutions, AphidControl and XanthoControl, to PI Industries Limited.

The announcement was made during an event held at the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, New Delhi, in the presence of Prof. A.K. Sood, PSA to the Govt. of India, Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Managing Trustee, Pratiksha Trust.

The transfer of these technologies is a part of the ‘Transforming Deep Science Discoveries into Impactful Innovations for India’ initiative under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator (DIA) programme at C-CAMP. Supported by the Office of the PSA and Pratiksha Trust, this initiative is designed to translate pioneering research into industry-ready solutions for real-world applications. With pests and diseases contributing significantly to crop loss in India—estimated at 10-35% annually—the introduction of these two bio-based solutions represents a critical advancement in sustainable agriculture. These 100% biological alternatives to synthetic pesticides will undergo large-scale validation and commercialization by PI Industries Ltd., reinforcing their portfolio of crop protection solutions.

AphidControl is a novel botanical insecticide derived from plant extracts that effectively targets aphids, a pervasive pest that causes substantial agricultural losses. Unlike conventional chemical pesticides, this organic solution offers a sustainable approach to crop protection while minimizing environmental impact. AphidControl has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to existing biopesticides, ensuring a stronger, eco-friendly defense mechanism against aphids. XanthoControl, on the other hand, is a breakthrough biocontrol agent developed from microbial metabolites that effectively combats Xanthomonas, a bacterial pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in over 40 crops, including tomatoes and pomegranates. This innovative solution provides a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic pesticides, addressing concerns surrounding antimicrobial resistance and environmental sustainability.

Prof. A.K. Sood welcomed this initiative and stated “C-CAMP DIA Programme is fostering industry-centric innovations with the potential to reshape India’s agricultural sector. This reinforces the Office of PSA’s commitment to supporting transformative programmes that bridge the gap between research and industry.’

“The technology transfer to industry for the two-novel bio-based solutions developed under the Discovery to Innovation Accelerator program supported by the Office of PSA is testimony to C-CAMP’s efforts in translating research to market ready solutions in critical areas like sustainable agriculture. My best wishes and congratulations to the innovators and the team at C-CAMP for addressing an important area like crop loss through two non-chemical solutions viz AphidControl and XanthoControl” said Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of PSA.

Dr. Kris Gopalakrishnan emphasized the importance of research translation, and highlighted the need to leverage this strength and emerge as a global bio-innovation hub, and appreciated the C-CAMP DIA programme for ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into impactful real-world solutions. Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser, Office of PSA, stated that the transfer of AphidControl and XanthoControl is a significant achievement under the DIA programme, showcasing India’s commitment to transforming scientific breakthroughs into innovative technologies that serve the agricultural sector.

Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP, highlighted the role of DIA in facilitating this transition, stating that the programme has successfully leveraged knowledge generated by research institutions across the country, advancing their technology-readiness level in line with industry standards. This initiative, he said, is a prime example of closing the academia-industry gap in India and was made possible through the generous support of the Office of the PSA and the Pratiksha Trust.

This was attended by Dr. Alka Sharma, Scientist H, DBT, Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty, Adviser, Office of PSA, Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO & Director, C-CAMP, Mr. Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, IP Industries, Mr. Prashant Hegde, CEO, AgChem Brands, Mr. Eswara Reddy, CIMAP, Dr. Sarangthem Indira Devi, IBSD, Dr. Sudesh K. Yadav, Director, IHBT, Dr. Ajit Kumar Shasany, Director, NBRI, Dr. Prabhod Kumar Trivedi, Director, CIMAP, Dr. Sangeetha Agarwal, Scientist F, Office of PSA, and Dr. Hafsa Ahmad, Scientist, Office of PSA.

This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of CSIR-IHBT, CSIR-CIMAP, IBSD, DBT, and PI Industries Ltd. The participants in the event included representatives from the Office of the PSA, C-CAMP, PI Industries, CSIR institutes, DBT, and Pratiksha Trust. The event marked an important step in advancing research-driven solutions for sustainable agriculture and industry collaboration.