Farming’s New Frontier: How Biologicals Are Powering Healthier Crops and Soils
17 September 2025 AgriBusiness Global recently spoke with Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, President of IPL Biologicals, on how innovative microbes, smarter delivery technologies, and sustainable practices are helping crops thrive, restoring soil health, and reducing residues.
ABG: What role do you see global innovators playing in shaping adoption and growth of biologicals in the LATAM, Southeast Asia and EU markets?
Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka, IPL Biologicals
Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka: Biologicals are definitely gaining traction, and there are already many strong products and technologies on the market, as these microbes have been studied and used for a long time.
The biggest challenge isn’t developing a good product – it’s getting that product into the hands of farmers. Farmers in these regions are often used to relying solely on chemical solutions, so it’s critical to invest in marketing, farmer training, and demonstrating results.
Companies typically take one of two approaches: they either invest directly to bring products to farmers themselves, or they form local partnerships with distributors and marketing networks. Either way, the primary challenge lies in effectively communicating the benefits of biological products and driving adoption in these markets.
At IPL Biologicals, we see global innovators as enablers—not just of technology, but of transformation. Their role is pivotal in turning biologicals from niche alternatives into mainstream solutions. We actively collaborate with such innovators to co-develop regionally adapted products, share agronomic insights, and drive measurable impact for farmers and ecosystems alike.
ABG: How are new technology platforms transforming the possibilities of microbial delivery and setting the stage for the next era of biological solutions?
HVB: Microbial products have been part of agriculture for decades, with the first registrations in Europe dating back more than half a century, so there’s a solid foundation in the market. The main challenge has always been creating awareness and educating farmers on how to use these products effectively.
Globally, governments are also driving adoption through policies like minimum residue levels, which encourage farmers to integrate biologicals into their crop management programs.
From a technology standpoint, one of the key challenges has been shelf life. If a product only lasts six months to a year, logistics and marketing become difficult, and sales teams feel pressure to move the product within a limited time frame. Advancements in formulation and storage that extend shelf life could allow products to be promoted over multiple seasons, significantly improving adoption and sales.
Additionally, precision agriculture technologies including drones, IoT devices, and artificial intelligence are transforming microbial delivery. These tools help farmers and advisors determine the optimal timing and dosage for applications, reducing waste and improving efficacy. By combining these technologies with longer-lasting products, the next era of biological solutions will be more efficient, effective, and easier for farmers to adopt.
Ultimately, these innovations are setting the stage for biologicals to move from niche to mainstream. They’re making it possible to deliver complex microbial consortia with precision, reliability, and scale unlocking new levels of productivity and sustainability for farmers worldwide.
ABG: Of the 90+ products currently in development, which innovations do you believe will be the biggest game-changers for farmers?
HVB: I believe the biggest game-changers for farmers will come from innovations in formulation. For example, we’ve developed products with shelf lives of up to three years, which is a major advantage for both logistics and consistent use.
We’re also working with consortiums to combine two strains in a single product, expanding the spectrum of pests and diseases that can be targeted. The goal is to deliver a more concentrated product with higher colony-forming units (CFUs), requiring lower dosages while maintaining effectiveness.
Another innovation is 100% water-soluble formulations, which are still rare in the market. These can be applied through drip irrigation systems and standard farm machinery, making them highly practical for farmers.
We’re seeing a shift from traditional formulations to highly engineered delivery systems that enhance microbial survivability, precision, and efficacy in the field.
ABG: How do you measure IPL’s success beyond financial growth—particularly in terms of sustainability and farm resilience?
HVB: That’s a very good question. I believe the most important factor is social responsibility, providing safe food for people while protecting the planet.
At IPL Biologicals, success goes far beyond financial metrics. We measure our impact through the lens of sustainability, farm resilience, and long-term value creation for both farmers and ecosystems.
In countries like India, political leaders often have to balance two extremes: ensuring sufficient food supply and ensuring that the food is safe. Biologicals help achieve that balance.
We’ve also seen the impact of excessive fertilizers and pesticides on soil health. For example, we worked with an orange farmer whose land was becoming barren with the number of healthy plants was declining each year. After four consecutive years of using our biological products, the soil was regenerated, and the number of productive plants increased.
Biologicals can also address major challenges such as pest resistance, resurgence, and chemical residues. All microbes we use are inherently sustainable, with no carcinogenic chemicals involved.
Ultimately, the parameters we value most are healthy soil, safe and productive crops, and satisfied farmers beyond financial gains. These outcomes ensure that agriculture can remain productive and sustainable for the long term.
ABG: What kinds of shifts in adoption are you seeing for biologicals?
HVB: IPL Biologicals has been working in this sector for 30 years. From the start, we’ve seen the potential of biological products to support sustainable and resilient agriculture. Early progress was slow, but since 2020, and especially after the pandemic, adoption has accelerated significantly.
We’re now seeing growing interest from a range of companies, distributors, and farmers who want to understand and responsibly integrate these products into their operations.
It’s an encouraging time for the industry. While growth projections vary, increased adoption, along with supportive policies, suggests that biologicals can play a meaningful role in improving crop health, reducing chemical reliance, and promoting more sustainable farming practices worldwide.
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