The ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala has been granted the Patent (No. 361021) for Microbial Encapsulation Technology. It is a novel method of storing and delivering the PGPR / microbes through Biocapsules.
The Institute has successfully developed, field-tested and commercialized Encapsulation Technology (Biocapsules) for the smart delivery of agriculturally important microorganisms. The technology was developed by a team including Dr. M. Anandaraj, Dr. R. Dinesh and Dr. Y.K. Bini.
The technology involves Encapsulation of the Microorganisms of interest in a Gelatin Capsule for delivery to the agricultural crops for the enhanced soil nutrient solubilization, growth and yield. The recently patented product is used for cultivation of spices, vegetable and other crops. This technique can be used for delivering all kinds of agriculturally important micro-organisms, viz., N fixers, nutrient solubilizers / mobilizers, Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Trichoderma, Burkholderia, etc.
Advantages:-
· Smart and precise microbial delivery to crops.
· Maintains high microbial population.
· Green technology, totally eco-friendly.
· Low production cost.
· Easy to handle and store.
· High shelf life.
· Production and storage at normal temperature.
· Does not require sophisticated equipment for manufacture.
· Can be used to deliver all agriculturally important microorganisms.
The Bio-Capsules developed by the Institute are already popular among the farmer community in the country. The sale of the capsules had witnessed an all-time high during 2020-21. The farmers from Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and North East states including Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura are the major users of the Bio-Capsules.
Technology licensing and commercialization:
1. Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Karnataka
The Trichoderma harzianum and PGPR are being currently marketed under the brand names - Trichocap and Powercap by the authorized licensee - M/s Codagu Agritech, Kushal Nagar, Karnataka, who was the first Start-Up licensee for the technology.
2. SRT Agro Science Pvt. Ltd., Durg, Chhattisgarh
The technology was also licensed by the SRT Agro Science Pvt. Ltd., Chhattisgarh in January - 2018, a bio-fertilizer / biopesticide private company started in the Year - 2007.
3. Krishi Vikas Sahakari Samiti Ltd, Bhandra , Hanumangargh, Rajasthan
The encapsulation technology was licensed to M/S Krishi Vikas Sahakari Samiti Ltd., Rajasthan on 25th February, 2020 through Agrinnovate India Ltd, New Delhi.
4. Krishna Agro Bioproducts, Ida Nacharam, Hyderabad, Telangana
The encapsulation technology is being licensed to M/S Krishna Agro Bioproducts through Agrinnovate India Ltd., New Delhi.
(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala)
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