Small and marginal farmers constitute a significant portion of the agricultural sector, playing a crucial role in food security and rural livelihoods. However, they often face substantial challenges in managing crop diseases, leading to significant yield losses and economic instability. This project aims to develop a comprehensive and user-friendly biocontrol module for the effective management of major diseases affecting four key crops: Rice (Oryza sativa), Maize (Zea mays), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), and Chilli (Capsicum annuum). The major diseases of Rice (blast and sheath blight), Maize (stalk rot), Tomato (wilt and blight), and Chilli (anthracnose and leaf curl) cause significant yield losses (20-70%), drastically reducing farmer incomes. In addition to crop damage, these diseases increase production costs due to repeated pesticide applications, while post-harvest losses further diminish marketable yield. Collectively, they threaten food security, farmer livelihoods, and agricultural trade, particularly for smallholders who lack access to effective and affordable control measures. The study will focus on isolation and screening potential biocontrol agents, optimization of formulations, evaluating at field level, and developing a farmer-friendly extension module. This research project has the potential to significantly benefit small and marginal farmers by providing them with accessible, affordable, and sustainable solutions for managing major crop diseases, thereby contributing to their economic well-being, food security, and environmental sustainability.
This project aims to develop a comprehensive biocontrol module using beneficial microbes to manage major diseases in Rice, Maize, Tomato, and Chilli, key crops critical to food security and farmer livelihoods. The research will focus on isolating, characterizing, and optimizing microbial strains for effective disease suppression, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides.
Specific Objectives:
1. Isolation and characterization of effective biocontrol agents (endophytes and rhizosphe microbes)
2. Optimization of mass production and formulation of the biocontrol agent in single or consortium
3. Evaluation of the module efficacy under field conditions
4. Development of user-friendly delivery methods suitable for small-scale application.
Background: Small and marginal farmers face significant challenges in managing crop diseases due to limited access to chemical pesticides and the associated environmental and health risks. Current disease management relies heavily on expensive chemical inputs, leading to deteriorating soil health, increased pathogen resistance, environmental pollution, and rising production costs. These factors disproportionately affect smallholder farmers, reducing profitability and long-term agricultural sustainability. There is an urgent need for an affordable, eco-friendly biocontrol solution to protect crop yields while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Rationale:
a) Microbial Isolation and Screening from Agroecological Niches:
Isolation of native beneficial microbes (bacteria/fungi) from diverse agricultural soils and plant rhizospheres, targeting regions with disease-suppressive properties. High-throughput screening will identify strains with antagonistic activity against key pathogens (blast, wilt, anthracnose, etc.), prioritizing heat/drought-tolerant isolates adapted to local conditions.
b) Lab and Field Validation of Biocontrol Efficacy:
Promising strains will undergo rigorous lab testing (dual culture assays, enzyme production) followed by controlled greenhouse trials. Successful candidates will advance to on-farm testing across 3-4 agroclimatic zones to evaluate disease suppression (20-40% target), yield impact, and environmental resilience under real farming conditions.
c) Optimization of Formulation and Delivery Mechanisms:
Compatible carriers (talc, lignite, liquid formulations) will be tested for microbial viability (>6 months shelf life) and ease of use (seed treatment, soil application). Low-cost additives (chitosan, molasses) will be incorporated to enhance adhesion and colonization, with prototypes optimized for smallholder storage/application constraints.
d) Stakeholder Engagement for Commercialization and Adoption:
Participatory workshops with farmers (50-100 beneficiaries) will refine application protocols, while partnerships with agri-input companies will scale production. Policy dialogues will promote biocontrol integration into government subsidy schemes, and demonstration plots will drive last-mile adoption through local agro-dealer networks.
a) What is the commercial potential of your research project?
The commercial potential of this research project is significant and multifaceted:
I.Development of Marketable Biocontrol Products:
The direct outcome of the research will be the development of optimized biocontrol formulations, have the potential to be commercialized as biopesticide products. The total potential cultivable area for the target crops in India is estimated at 40-50 million hectares. Achieving a 10% adoption rate of the biocontrol module could cover 4-5 million
hectares, generating an estimated market value of ₹400 crore to ₹1500 crore (USD
50 million to USD 190 million approximately) annually.
II.Licensing of Biocontrol Agents and Technologies:
Promising and unique biocontrol agents identified and characterized during the research could be patented and licensed to agricultural input companies for large-scale production and distribution. Similarly, innovative formulation or delivery technologies
developed could also be licensed.
III. Consultancy and Training Services:
The expertise gained during the project in biocontrol strategies and their application can be commercialized through consultancy services offered to farmers, agricultural extension agencies, and private sector companies. Training programs on the production and application of biocontrol agents can also be a revenue stream.
IV. Integration with Organic and Sustainable Farming Systems:
The developed biocontrol module will be highly valuable for farmers adopting organic and other sustainable farming practices, which are gaining traction in both domestic and
international markets. This creates a niche market for the developed products
and knowledge.
V. Potential for Carbon Credits and Green Certifications:
Promoting the use of biocontrol over synthetic pesticides can contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved soil health, potentially opening avenues for carbon credits or eligibility for green certifications, which can enhance the market value of the produce.
b) Are there additional potential impacts (environmental, knowledge transfer, decision-
making, etc.)?
Yes, beyond the direct commercial potential, this research has several significant
additional potential impacts:
i.Environmental Benefits: Reduced reliance on synthetic chemical pesticides will lead to:
▪ Improved soil health and fertility by preserving beneficial microorganisms.
▪ Reduced water contamination from pesticide runoff.
▪ Reduced pesticide residues in food products, leading to safer food for consumers.
ii. Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building:
▪The project will generate valuable scientific knowledge about the target diseases and
effective biocontrol strategies.
▪Training programs and extension modules will empower farmers with the knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable disease management practices.
iii. Improved Decision-Making:
▪The research will provide evidence-based recommendations for disease management,
enabling farmers to make informed decisions about pest control strategies.
▪Data on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of the biocontrol module can inform policy
decisions related to sustainable agriculture and pesticide regulation.
iv. Social Impact:
▪ Improved health outcomes for farmers and rural communities by reducing exposure to
harmful chemical pesticides.
▪Empowerment of farmers through access to affordable and effective technologies.
The details of the collaborative partners involved in this research project, including their roles and the required personnel are given below.
| Partner | Role | Personnel Required | Personal (days) | Gaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Research Associate | – | 2 | 2 Years | – |
| Kaveri Microteck | Technician | 1 | 1 Year | – |
| BIPA | Crop management facilitator | 1 | 2 crop seasons | – |
a) Study Area:
▪ Location: Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states
▪ Disease Type: Hot zones or epidemic areas
▪ Climate: Different climate zones
| Objective / Duration (months) | 0–3 | 3–6 | 6–9 | 9–12 | 12–15 | 15–18 | 18–21 | 21–24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Isolation and identification of effective biocontrol agents (BCA) against major diseases of Rice (blast & sheath blight), Maize (stalk rot), Tomato (wilt & blight) and Chilli (anthracnose & leaf curl) |
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| 2. Development of bioformulation of effective biocontrol agent/s and module |
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| 3. Evaluation of module efficacy under field conditions in diverse agro- climatic zones (multi- location trials account for soil/climate differences) |
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| 4. Development of user-friendly delivery methods suitable for small-scale application |
| Budget | Year - I (INR) | Year - II (INR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Expenditure | 6,00,000 | – | 6,00,000 |
| Manpower | 3,60,000 | 3,60,000 | 7,20,000 |
| Consumables | 3,50,000 | 2,50,000 | 6,00,000 |
| Travel | 75,000 | 75,000 | 1,50,000 |
| Field Trials | – | 50,000 | 50,000 |
| Publications, IP | – | 3,00,000 | 3,00,000 |
| Total (A) | 13,85,000 | 10,35,000 | 24,20,000 |
| Institutional Charges @10% (B) | 2,42,000 | ||
| GST @ 18% (C) | 4,79,160 | ||
| Total Budget (A + B + C) | 31,41,160 | ||
Kaveri University was established as per the Telangana Private Universities (Establishment & Regulation) Act, 2018 under section 3.
