Hyderabad, Sept 12: The BioAgri Input Producers Association (BIPA), the world’s oldest trade body dedicated to agricultural biologicals, has called for a phased 25% reduction in chemical fertiliser and pesticide usage through the scientific integration of biological inputs, which it estimates could potentially save the national exchequer around ₹40,000 crore annually, besides reducing import dependence, lowering farm input costs, improving soil health and strengthening the competitiveness of Indian agricultural exports.
The proposal will be a key focus of the 6th Annual BioAgri Industry Summit – BIOAGRI 2026, to be held on October 7 and 8 at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, under the theme “Biological Intelligence & Smart Agriculture.” More than 250 delegates, 35 speakers and 50 exhibitors are expected to participate in the summit, which will bring together industry leaders, scientists, researchers, startups, policymakers and regulators.
BIPA Office Bearers Srinivas, Dr. John Peter, Dr. Venakatesh Devanur And Paharaju Laxminarayana Seen Unveiling The Summit Brochure
BIPA office bearers Dr. A. John Peter, President; Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary General; Praharaju Laxminarayana, Vice President; and C.H. V. Srinivas, Joint Treasurer, announced the summit and outlined the association’s priorities addressing a press conference in a city hotel in Necklace Road.
They put Biologicals as a complement to chemical agriculture. BIPA said biological inputs such as bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants and bio-pesticides should not be seen merely as substitutes for chemical inputs, but should be scientifically integrated into the existing agricultural system.
According to the association, biological inputs can support nutrient availability, beneficial soil microorganisms and sustainable crop protection, thereby enabling farmers to progressively reduce their dependence on chemical inputs without compromising productivity when appropriately selected and used.
“India needs to move from a predominantly chemical-dependent agricultural model towards an integrated system in which biologicals and chemicals work together scientifically and responsibly. A phased 25% reduction in chemical fertiliser and pesticide usage can deliver significant economic, environmental and agricultural benefits,” said Dr. A. John Peter, President, BIPA.
India consumes around 35 million tonnes of urea annually, besides depending substantially on imported raw materials for DAP, potash and other fertilisers. With the annual fertiliser subsidy bill exceeding ₹1.75 lakh crore, BIPA believes that reducing chemical dependence could help contain subsidy expenditure and foreign exchange outflows.
BIPA has urged the Government, industry, research institutions and academia to jointly develop a national programme to improve soil organic carbon, which it considers fundamental to the long-term health and productivity of Indian soils.
The association said restoring soil biological activity should become an important component of India’s agricultural policy, with greater emphasis on sustainable nutrient management, microbial activity and improved soil resilience.
Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, Secretary General, BIPA, said the focus needs to move beyond short-term crop productivity to the restoration of the biological health of agricultural soils.
BIPA also stressed the growing importance of pesticide residue management in protecting India’s agricultural exports. Increasingly stringent Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) requirements in international markets are making residue management an important issue for Indian exporters.
“Food safety and residue standards are becoming increasingly stringent across global markets. Agricultural produce from India, including consignments exported to neighbouring countries such as Nepal, has also faced rejection. India cannot afford to lose valuable markets because of avoidable residue-related issues. Greater adoption of Integrated Pest Management and scientifically validated biological crop-protection solutions can contribute to a safer and more export-competitive agricultural system,” said Dr. Venkatesh Devanur.
As a follow-up to BIOAGRI 2026, BIPA plans to bring out a White Paper on “Integrating Biologicals into the Framework of Chemical Fertilisers and Pesticides.”
The White Paper will draw on scientific research, industry experience and stakeholder consultations to propose a practical roadmap for integrating biological inputs into mainstream agriculture. BIPA also intends to initiate discussions with the Government, industry, research institutions and academia towards a National Policy on Biological Input Integration, covering scientific protocols, research, innovation, responsible adoption and an enabling regulatory framework.
“The next Green Revolution could be biological,” said the BIPA office bearers, noting that agriculture worldwide is increasingly looking for ways to improve productivity while reducing its environmental footprint.
Praharaju Laxminarayana, Vice President, BIPA, said the global focus is increasingly on reducing pesticide residues and moving towards more sustainable agricultural practices. He pointed to Europe’s stated long-term goals for reducing chemical dependence and increasing organic and sustainable farming, adding that residue reduction in food is becoming a global priority.
BIOAGRI 2026 will examine how biological science, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, precision agriculture and smart farming technologies can work together to address the emerging challenges facing Indian agriculture.
A key attraction of the summit will be the BIPA Startup Challenge 2026, which will provide early-stage companies developing innovative solutions in biological agriculture an opportunity to present their technologies and business ideas before industry leaders, investors and researchers.
An exhibition featuring around 50 companies will also showcase products, technologies and services from across the biological agriculture ecosystem.
BIPA, which represents more than 100 industry members, promotes innovation, industry collaboration, regulatory excellence and the wider adoption of sustainable biological solutions in agriculture.
Responding to questions on the increasing incidence of cancer and perceptions linking it directly to excessive use of fertilisers, BIPA office bearers said that a direct causal relationship between fertiliser or pesticide use and cancer has not been scientifically established and should not be presumed without evidence.
They, however, acknowledged concerns over the increasing use of chemicals in the production of vegetables and stressed the need for responsible input use, residue management and scientifically validated agricultural practices.
BIPA also pointed to the distortion caused by subsidised fertiliser pricing. Urea is supplied to farmers at a heavily subsidised price of around ₹280 per bag, against a much higher market-linked price, and the association said the pricing structure can encourage excessive application.
“Fertiliser subsidies are important for farmers, but the present pricing differential can encourage indiscriminate use. There is a need to promote balanced and scientifically recommended nutrient application rather than excessive dependence on urea,” the BIPA representatives said.
Building on the BIOAGRI summits held from 2021 to 2025, BIOAGRI 2026 will provide a national platform for knowledge exchange, research, innovation, business partnerships and policy dialogue in biological agriculture.
The summit is expected to attract stakeholders from across India and further strengthen Hyderabad’s position as a destination for knowledge-led industry conferences and agricultural innovation.
