- Agriculture Science Centres must become true hubs of outreach one for organic, one for natural, so people can go and see the work happening: Parshottam Rupala, Former Union Minister
- We’ve lost almost 90% of the microflora over the last three to four decades. Our soil, which was once productive and profitable, is now unproductive and unhealthy: Dr. M.S. Rao, Chairman, Bio-Agri Next Organizing Committee
- One of the biggest losses today is the underutilization of cow dung. If processed properly, it could save the country ₹6–8 lakh crores annually: Ajay Ranka, Co-Chair, Bio-Agri Next Organizing Committee and Chairman & MD, Zydex Group
- Universities across India, including those in Andhra Pradesh, Dantiwada, and Navsari — have found no yield reduction in natural farming: C.K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Natural Farming Science University
- The Agriculture Department is committed to supporting such initiatives that empower our farmers and promote soil health, climate resilience, and long-term productivity: P. D. Palsana, Joint Secretary, Agriculture Department, Gujarat
- As we move towards 2047, our focus must be on building resilient value chains, promoting customised bio-solutions, and ensuring nourishment for all humans, animals, and nature alike: Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India
NE AGRICULTURE BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JULY 17
The Bio-Agri Next Global Conference & Expo 2025 commenced here on Thursday with a strong focus on natural, organic, and sustainable farming practices. The two-day event, themed “Let’s Talk Innovative and Sustainable Solutions”, aims to bring together policymakers, scientists, startups, and farmers to explore the future of bio-based agriculture. Natural farming remained at the heart of the discussions, with speakers underscoring the need to revive traditional practices using modern science and community outreach.
Amit BK Khare, Founder & Managing Partner, Snail Integral Pvt. Ltd., expressed his gratitude during the inaugural session, stating, “First of all, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the dignitaries for their presence and support. This event is just a warm welcome to the real work will be driven by the innovators, scientists, and experts who are gathered here today. My role is simply to support. This platform has been created for policymakers and experts to share their knowledge and experiences, and for stakeholders to connect, network, and collaborate for a more sustainable agricultural future.”
Chief Guest Parshottam Rupala, Former Union Minister, said, “This movement must go beyond seminars—it should reach the fields, the farmers. Why not organize such programs in marketing yards where thousands of farmers naturally gather? They need to see, hear, and connect with what’s being shared. Our traditional farming was always natural; even our ancestors did it without needing manuals. But today, the need is to revive that knowledge responsibly without blindly rejecting the old or uncritically packaging the new. Farmers should be informed through clear, transparent communication. Agriculture Science Centres must become true hubs of outreach one for organic, one for natural, so people can go and see the work happening. If our farmers, crops, animals, and soil are healthy only then can we talk about true ‘One Health’. We are moving back to our roots whether it’s earthen homes or traditional foods, even five-star menus now reflect what was once local wisdom. But the challenges today are complex. So how do we prove the relevance of our traditional practices to the world, in a language they understand? That’s where such programs can play a role. Let’s try to make the best use of them. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan.”
Dr. M.S. Rao, Chairman, Bio-Agri Next Organizing Committee and Former Principal Scientist & Head of Entomology & Nematology Division, ICAR – IIHR, Bangalore, said, “We are in a situation where the soils are sick. Excessive chemicalization has affected the microflora in such a way that productivity is impacted. We’ve lost almost 90% of the microflora over the last three to four decades. Our soil, which was once productive and profitable, is now unproductive and unhealthy. Biologicals like biofertilizers and biopesticides play a great role in sustainable agriculture. These are now available across the country, but farmers need awareness and delivery systems to adopt them effectively. This conference must come out with holistic approaches to empower the farmer. Organic and natural farming systems must be made profitable and productive. Industry has a great role- you are the techno-agents of the country to deliver these technologies. We don’t want to use chemicals to fill our vegetables and fruits. We want sustainable, residue-free food for the country and the world. That is the strategy we must build together.”
Dr. Ajay Ranka, Co-Chair, Bio-Agri Next Organizing Committee and Chairman & MD, Zydex Group, emphasized, “Bio-Agri Next must benefit farmers, society, and the environment. One of the biggest losses today is the underutilization of cow dung. If processed properly, it could save the country ₹6–8 lakh crores annually. This is a responsibility we, as industry, must take. Our soil is damaged, organic matter is depleted. We need to enhance photosynthesis and generate more biomass per square meter. Today, in this country, sunlight is free, water is free, temperature is free and the Himalayas are already there. You can’t find a better environment for organic farming than this. The biomass which should be 3 to 1, that is, the number of crops, should be 3 times more weight. It is completely spoiled. This is bio-next. We now have technologies to retain moisture on leaves and improve plant protection. This is Bio-Next creating reliable, resilient systems. Finally, my contribution is how to make soil soft and regenerate it in a month. As a polymer scientist, I’ve developed technology that makes soil brittle, improves gas exchange and water retention. By training farmers to regenerate cow dung and optimize biomass, we can rebuild soils fast — our climate and conditions fully support this. Let’s work together. In the next 25 years, we can make India organic and profitable. The profit will come through exports. We must help our farmers earn a trillion dollars by producing nutritious, chemical-free food that meets global standards — and also brings back the taste and aroma of real food.”
Dr. C.K. Timbadia, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Natural Farming Science University, Halol, focused his address on the critical role of natural farming, stating, “Today’s conference is about saving our soil and farmers. Under the Prime Minister’s vision and National Mission on Natural Farming, we are promoting chemical-free, cost-effective farming that builds on-farm biodiversity and uses desi cow-based inputs. We have started BSc Natural Farming colleges in Amreli and Alok in this direction. Natural farming is not about buying inputs — it’s about using what’s on the farm. One gram of desi cow dung contains 300 to 500 crore microbes that enrich soil fertility and activate biomass recycling. Organic carbon can be increased within a year, improving soil health and crop productivity. Natural farming ensures better family health, lowers costs, increases water retention, and reduces pest and disease issues through biodiversity. Unlike organic farming, it doesn’t rely on external bio-inputs and gives equivalent yields to chemical farming in just one year. Universities across India, including those in Andhra Pradesh, Dantiwada, and Navsari — have found no yield reduction in natural farming. Studies also show that nutritional value in crops has dropped 35–45% in 50 years due to chemical farming. Natural farming reverses this trend, improves microbial population, and supports sustainable food systems. With desi cow dung, mulching, crop cover, and zero tillage, we can increase soil carbon and reduce environmental harm. Natural farming is not just traditional, it’s the future of Indian agriculture.”
P. D. Palsana, Joint Secretary, Agriculture Department, Gujarat said, “This two-days event serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration in sustainable agriculture. Our agricultural practices have traditionally been rooted in natural methods. However, today, excessive use of chemicals is harming our soil, water, and air and this calls for serious reflection and discussion. It is essential for farmers to become aware of the principles and benefits of natural farming. The Government of India has also launched the National Mission on Natural Farming in this direction. We must draw clear conclusions from such dialogues and apply them meaningfully to strengthen the future of Indian Agriculture. The Agriculture Department is committed to supporting such initiatives that empower our farmers and promote soil health, climate resilience, and long-term productivity.”
Dr. P.K. Singh, Agriculture Commissioner, Government of India, said, “India’s 20,000-year-old agricultural legacy is rooted in nature, and it’s time to bring that perspective back. Instead of focusing only on bio-pesticides or treatments, we must adopt an integrated approach, one that balances food, fodder, sustainability, and innovation. Between 2014 and 2024, we added 353 million tonnes to food production, and technology be it bio-based, organic, or natural has played a major role. As we move towards 2047, our focus must be on building resilient value chains, promoting customised bio-solutions, and ensuring nourishment for all humans, animals, and nature alike.”
Vipin Saini, CEO, BASAI, delivered the thanking note,
