In Conversation with Harsh Vardhan Bhagchandka on Leading Microbial Innovation at IPL Biologicals

1. What inspired the foundation of IPL Biologicals, and how has that vision evolved with your global expansion?

IPL Biologicals was founded in 1994 with a strong commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture through the power of microbes (with vision of microbial innovations for better world). The inspiration came from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers: soil degradation,stagnant yields , chemical overuse, and the  need for eco-friendly alternatives.That vision laid the foundation for what IPL Biologicals is today — a pioneer in microbial technologies with over 70 indigenous solutions developed through cutting-edge research at our DSIR-recognized Technology & Innovation Centre in Gurugram,India. With our global expansion, IPL Biologicals’ vision has evolved to address three major agricultural trends. Climate change is pushing farmers to adopt resilient, eco-friendly practices—where biologicals play a vital role. Rising consumer demand for residue-free food is driving the shift toward natural crop inputs. Degraded soil health is now a global concern, and microbial solutions are key to restoring fertility. Our innovations align with these needs, making sustainable farming a reality worldwide.

2. Could you elaborate on IPL Biologicals’ key product offerings and their impact on crop yield and sustainability? 

IPL Biologicals offers a wide range of microbial solutions that play a vital role in enhancing crop yield and promoting sustainable agriculture. Our key product categories include biofertilizers that improve soil fertility and nutrient uptake, biofungicides and bioinsecticides that provide safe and effective protection against a wide range of plant diseases and pests, and biostimulants that help crops tolerate stress and grow more vigorously. We also offer HD (High Density) Biologicals formulated with a high CFU count to ensure superior microbial performance in the field. All our products are manufactured using advanced technology in fully integrated facilities built with Class D contamination control standards, ensuring the highest levels of quality and consistency. These products are designed to improve soil health, protect against various pests and diseases, and help crops withstand environmental stress. Key microbial strains include Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Metarhizium, Beauveria, Verticillium, and Bt. All products are manufactured in advanced, contamination-controlled facilities to ensure high quality and performance.

3. Can you share more details about the six new biological products recently launched by IPL Biologicals and how they are expected to contribute to improving crop yield and overall agricultural productivity?

IPL Biologicals has launched its NXG Range (soluble products), a portfolio of six biological products, with the objective to boost farm productivity and drive sustainability.The products are first of their kind in India’s biological agri input segment to be introduced in a soluble powder format. These are developed specifically to be compatible with micro irrigation systems. Each product has been developed with a focus on soil health, nutrient availability and microbial efficacy across varied agro-climatic zones. The NXG platform is a step toward addressing that demand through scientifically validated, irrigation-compatible formats.” The formulations are composed of high colony forming unit microbial strains that will contribute to faster onset of biological activity in field

Recently, IPL launched six new products, including three under the NXG range—Subtilin ,Viridex, and Sporidex—featuring breakthrough Soluble Powder (SP) formulations with superior solubility, enhanced performance, and compatibility with micro-irrigation systems.Each product has been developed with a focus on soil health, nutrient availability, and microbial efficacy across varied agro-climatic zones. Lexa-fortified mycorrhizal biofertilizer is another key innovation aimed at improving nutrient uptake and root health.

Another notable innovation is 360, a specialized seed-coating solution that enhances crop resilience .These products have been designed keeping in mind the evolving needs of modern farmers—they’re efficient, compatible, and offer better performance in the field. We believe the NXG range will help farmers adopt more sustainable practices without compromising on productivity.

4. What strategic advantages will the new automated Gujarat plant offer IPL Biologicals in terms of scale and efficiency?

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 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.

The new state-of-the-art automated plant in Gujarat marks a major milestone in IPL Biologicals’ journey toward scalable and efficient biological manufacturing. Equipped with advanced contamination control systems and ISO-compliant Class-D facilities, the plant is designed to significantly increase production capacity while ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency. This strategic investment not only supports our growing domestic and global demand but also reinforces our commitment to delivering next-generation microbial solutions at scale, without compromising on sustainability or performance.

5. What is the strategy behind IPL Biologicals’ global expansion into the UAE, North America, Europe, and Latin America?

At IPL Biologicals, we are strategically customizing our product portfolio to meet the specific needs and challenges of international markets, particularly in regions like the UAE and Europe. In Europe, where many chemical pesticides are being phased out, our biological products—like Metarhizium and Beauveria bassiana—have demonstrated strong efficacy against pests in both open-field and greenhouse crops. We are also introducing consortium-based products with multiple strains to enhance effectiveness and broaden pest control. Additionally, our new water-soluble powder formulations are not only innovative but also highly efficient, requiring just 250g per acre. These products are user-friendly, compatible with micro-irrigation systems, and align perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable, residue-free agriculture in international markets.

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.

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.

6. What role will the newly inaugurated VAM plant in Haridwar play in IPL Biologicals' production capabilities?

The newly inaugurated VAM manufacturing plant in Haridwar represents a major milestone in IPL Biologicals’ commitment to sustainable agriculture. Spreading across 10,000 sq. ft., the facility is equipped with advanced Root Organ Culture technology to mass-produce high-density, contamination-free VAM spores. With an annual capacity of 1 tonne (1 lakh spores/gram), the plant strengthens the company’s ability to meet the growing demand for sustainable phosphate nutrition solutions. It plays a critical role in supporting IPL’s flagship products like VAM Shakti and VAM HD, while also positioning the company as a reliable B2B supplier of high-quality VAM products. The plant is built to Class D contamination control and GMP standards, ensuring product safety and consistency. By reducing dependence on imported phosphate fertilizers, it aligns with national priorities for self-reliance in agriculture. The unit also contributes to the local economy by creating employment opportunities, especially for women. In addition to manufacturing, it supports quality control and research in VAM-based solutions. The launch of this facility is a strategic step in IPL Biologicals’ long-term growth and global expansion. Plans are underway to establish a similar facility in Gujarat to further enhance production capacity.