Introduction:

Indian farmers have seen many pressing challenges and overcame them with their traditional farming techniques. However, the modern challenges and the demand to develop sustainable and bio-based agricultural inputs are critical as they require modern solutions and techniques. Given that the global population is expected to grow by 70% by 2050, food security has become a pressing concern of the globe. Therefore CFCL and TERI are addressing these challenges by developing sustainable and bio-based agricultural inputs. The solutions are not simply innovative, they are known to enhance crop productivity, minimize environmental impact and present a resilient future for agriculture. In this article, we have explored the opportunities, their strength and interesting facts to understand the depth of the news. Let’s explore.

Chambal Fertilisers Partners with TERI to Pioneer Sustainable Farming Solutions:

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Ltd. (CFCL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) have established a contract to create the CFCL-TERI Centre of Excellence for Advanced and Sustainable Agriculture Solutions. The partnership was signed by CFCL’s Managing Director, Mr. Abhay Baijal, and TERI’s Director General, Dr. Vibha Dhawan, mainly to tackle the major issues in the Indian agricultural sector.

There are a few pressing challenges in the agricultural sector such as declining soil health, low crop productivity, inefficient use of nutrients, resistance to chemicals and harmful effects due to excessive usage of synthetic inputs on the environment and human health.

These challenges require efficient yet eco-friendly solutions such as nano-biotechnology-based fertilizers, biofertilizers, bio-stimulants, and biological pest control products. These solutions not only improve farming efficiency without disturbing the environmental health or human health but are also considered the most cost-effective for the farmers.

Although TERI is involved in developing and incorporating innovative agricultural products complementing the conventional chemical farming inputs, there is a significant investment required for research, which will be done by CFCL for 5 years as per the agreement. Dr.Dhawan highlighted that the rise in global population and rising food production demand with about 70% by 2050 are some of the reality checks and factors to consider while focusing on these developments. Therefore it is obvious that traditional chemicals alone are not enough to meet the demand. Similarly, the government is also encouraging alternative fertilizers through schemes such as PM PRANAAM.

Considering the rising demand, TERI is involved in bringing advanced biological solutions to improved food security, health and environmental sustainability, with financial support from CFCL.

Mr. Balaji mentioned the success of CFCL’s bio-based products such as Uttam Superrhiza and Uttam Pranaam Bio-Phosphorous and those products have inspired to create this collaboration. Uttam Superrhiza and Uttam Pranaam Bio-Phosphorous are bio-based agricultural solutions developed by CFCL as a part of their commitment to sustainable farming.


Uttam Superrhiza – is a bio-product that likely improves plant root systems, while promoting better nutrient absorption and healthier crops. This also focuses on enhancing soil health while reducing dependency on chemical inputs.
Uttam Pranaam Bio-Phosphorous – is a bio-phosphorous fertilizer that serves as an alternative to synthetic phosphate fertilizers. This product is environmentally friendly and supports sustainable farming by improving the phosphorous availability to plants.

Overall the products are in line with the efforts to minimize the environmental efforts of the usage of chemical fertilizers while ensuring higher productivity and cost efficiency for farmers.

The CFCL- TERI initiative aligns with the government’s BioE3 program which is a government initiative that is aimed at fostering the development of bio-manufacturing industries the key aspects of the initiative are as follows:

Economic growth, and should be achieved through bio-based industries.

Environmental sustainability is attained by reducing chemical dependency and pollution.

Energy efficiency through manufacturing processes.

Therefore the ultimate goal is to promote innovation in biological solutions for agriculture, healthcare, and industrial applications that are aligned with India’s goals of self-reliance, and sustainability under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative.

Challenges that are expected to be addressed through the initiative:

The CFCL and TERI initiative should also focus on some of the pressing challenges that prevail in bio-manufacturing, such as:

Scaling production – Transition from the laboratory-scale production to industrial-scale production is complex and costly.

Raw material supply - A consistent and sustainable supply of bio-based inputs is a challenge.

Regulatory hurdles - compliance with safety and efficacy standards involves time-consuming approvals.

Market acceptance – Both farmers and industries have hesitation to adopt new bio-based products due to lack of awareness or perceived risk.

Cost-effectiveness – Manufacturing bio-based alternatives at a competitive price against synthetic counterparts is considered a major challenge for all.

How does this agreement help in reaching the goal?

Considering the strengths and collaborative approach are expected to push towards reaching the goal of sustainable agriculture research.

TERI’s research expertise: The Energy and Resource Institute is a leading organization in sustainable development and environmental research. The expertise includes areas such as:
 

CFCL’s market knowledge:

CFCL has developed a robust and widespread network to deliver agricultural products to farmers across the nation.

Chambal Fertilizers and Chemicals Ltd. is one of the nation’s largest fertilizer manufacturers with extensive experience in the following areas:
 

Therefore the combination of CFCL’s market expertise with TERI’s research helps in delivering promising results such as:
 

CFCL due to its consistent connection to the pulse of Indian agriculture, is positioned to drive a transformative change in the sector and ensure both economic and environmental sustainability.

Take away:

Our earth is striving for food security and sustainability, and the CFCL-TERI collaboration offers a beacon of hope. Their combined efforts help in developing eco-friendly, climate-resilient agricultural solutions as they are setting the stage for a future where farming thrives in harmony with nature.