“We will invest Rs 400 crore to establish bio-fertilizer & bio-pesticide production facility in Gujarat”

Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka has been at the helm of IPL Biologicals since 2011 and is now steering the company on its rapid global expansion. His dream is to see IPL Biologicals’ specialized products, which are developed and manufactured in India by Indian scientists, and adopted by the agriculture industry in all corners of the globe.

In an exclusive interview, Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals shares details on the  company’s journey so far, its unique key offerings, big ticket projects, and future plans.

What are the key milestones achieved by the IPL Biologicals in the last three decades?

IPL Biologicals, a global leader in microbial solutions since 1994, is dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture through cutting-edge research and innovation. Our Technology and Innovation Centre (TIC) has developed 60+ advanced microbial solutions and 19 products have already been patented. Our innovative products are developed to enhance soil health, pest management, and higher crop yields. With pharma-grade manufacturing, zero-contamination standards, and a diverse product portfolio—including bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and bio-stimulants—we drive sustainable farming across 25 plus countries, empowering farmers with effective, eco-friendly solutions.

How does the company’s commitment to sustainability influence its product development and overall business strategy? 

At IPL Biologicals, sustainability is at the core of everything we do—it’s not just a concept but a guiding principle. As a company dedicated to biological solutions, we understand that the future of agriculture relies on reducing chemical use, improving soil health, and adopting eco-friendly practices. This commitment drives our product innovation, R&D, and long-term business strategy.

For us, sustainability and business growth go hand in hand. By continuously investing in green innovations, responsible manufacturing, and farmer-centric solutions, we are shaping a future where agriculture is productive, regenerative, and environmentally responsible.

Our “Farmer First” approach has been instrumental in expanding our reach. By raising awareness and educating farmers on the benefits of biological solutions, we have built a strong network, currently connecting with 45 million farmers. Additionally, over 5,000 distributors actively collaborate with IPL Biologicals, further strengthening our commitment to sustainable agriculture.

What inspired the introduction of Microbot™ technology, and how do you envision it transforming agricultural practices?

The introduction of Microbot™ technology was inspired by the growing challenges farmers face today—declining soil health, overuse of chemical inputs, and the need for precision in biological application.

Microbot™ technology is designed to enhance the delivery, stability, and effectiveness of beneficial microbes in the soil. Microbot technology allows us to select the most virulent microbial strains in a zero-contamination environment and acts as a carrier and delivery mechanism, ensuring that beneficial microbes remain active, potent, and evenly distributed, leading to better soil enrichment, nutrient absorption, and plant protection.

Company’s capex allocation for its upcoming bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production facility in Gujarat? By when is it expected to get commissioned and its significance for the company’s future?

IPL Biologicals has committed Rs 400 crore to establish a state-of-the-art bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide production facility in Gujarat. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of adopting organic and sustainable agricultural practices by 2030. 

The facility is scheduled to commence operations in mid-2025 and is expected to create over 500 direct and indirect jobs. By focusing on reducing chemical usage in agriculture, this facility aims to promote eco-friendly farming practices, enhance soil and environmental health, and contribute to safe food production. 

This strategic move is anticipated to bolster IPL Biologicals’ position in the agro-biological sector, aligning with global trends towards sustainable agriculture and potentially opening new markets.

How does IPL Biologicals’ R&D infrastructure support the development of innovative biological solutions for agriculture?

At IPL Biologicals, R&D is at the heart of everything we do. Our research infrastructure is designed to push the boundaries of innovation in sustainable agriculture. We have state-of-the-art labs where our scientists work on cutting-edge microbial screening, fermentation technology, and advanced formulation techniques.

Our products are powered by Microbot and ONE technology, setting new standards in innovation. Microbot technology allows us to select the most virulent microbial strains in a zero-contamination environment. This ensures our bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides are not just effective but also highly stable and reliable for farmers.

“Looking ahead to FY 2025-26, we expect our revenue to grow by around 70%, thanks to the rising demand for sustainable farming solutions and our strong product portfolio.”

We don’t work in isolation—our R&D team collaborates with leading agricultural universities, government institutions, and global research bodies to stay ahead of the curve. Compliance is also a key focus; we ensure that our products meet international standards so they can be widely adopted.

But what truly sets us apart is our farmer-centric approach. We conduct extensive field trials in different agro-climatic conditions to make sure our solutions work in real-world farming scenarios. Plus, we actively engage with farmers to understand their challenges and co-develop solutions that improve soil health, boost crop yields, and reduce reliance on chemicals.

One such initiative is the local-level demonstrations, where we focus on showcasing specific products, particularly new innovations. However, recognizing the need for a broader, more immersive approach, we have recently established a Bio-Station in Karnal. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to testing our existing and next-generation biological offerings. Farmers and trade partners are invited to visit the station, where they can witness the performance of these advanced products first-hand, fostering confidence in their effectiveness.

Ultimately, our goal is to make agriculture more sustainable, resilient, and profitable for farmers. By blending science, innovation, and a deep understanding of nature, we’re shaping the future of biologicals in agriculture.

Company financial performance during FY 2024-25 and what’s the expected revenue from FY 2025-26

In FY 2024-25, we saw strong growth, driven by our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and helping farmers find better, more natural solutions. More farmers worldwide are choosing biological products, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this shift. Our success has been fuelled by new product launches, strategic partnerships, and global expansion. We’ve also invested heavily in research and development, ensuring we continue to bring cutting-edge solutions to the market. Our focus on sustainability has not only helped the environment but also strengthened our relationships with farmers, businesses, and stakeholders.  

Looking ahead to FY 2025-26, we expect our revenue to grow by around 70%, thanks to the rising demand for sustainable farming solutions and our strong product portfolio. We are excited for what’s ahead and confident that by staying focused on innovation, sustainability, and putting our customers first, we will continue to grow and create long-term value for everyone connected to IPL Biologicals.

What are your company’s plans and strategies for global expansion?

At IPL Biologicals, global expansion is a key focus of our growth strategy. As the demand for sustainable biological solutions continues to rise worldwide, we are committed to making our high-quality bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides accessible to farmers across diverse regions. Currently, we operate in 15 countries, with 12 more in the pipeline as we work through regulatory approvals.

With a 10-year vision for large-scale global expansion, we are actively pursuing short-term goals such as meeting regulatory requirements in new markets and broadening the reach of our innovative product portfolio.

Our expansion strategy is driven by three key pillars – Strengthening Our Presence in Existing Markets, Entering New Markets by Securing Regulatory Approvals, and Investing in R&D and Innovation to Address Global Agricultural Needs

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to empower farmers worldwide with safe, effective, and eco-friendly biological solutions that enhance productivity while protecting the planet. We believe the future of agriculture is biological, and IPL Biologicals is committed to being a global leader in this transformation.

*This interview was first published in the April 2025 edition of BioVoice eMagazine.