Agri-Biotech Pioneers: Securing Our Food and Protecting Our Planet!

The Vital Role of Biotechnology in Advancing Agriculture

The progress of agriculture is increasingly dependent on biotech research, which offers crucial insights into the genetic and physiological characteristics of crops. By studying crop genetics and biochemistry, researchers are able to develop innovative varieties and bio-inputs that bolster crop resilience to environmental stressors, increase yields, and enhance the nutritional value of produce. Additionally, biological research is essential for creating sustainable agricultural practices by revealing the complex interactions between organisms and their environments.

The agricultural biotechnology market was valued at USD 118 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8% over the next five years. This growth is driven by the rising adoption and advancement of new biotechnology tools, which facilitate novel breeding techniques.

The global agricultural biotechnology market is set to expand further due to the increasing use of biotechnology tools that create or modify the traits of organisms—plants, animals, and microbes alike—to improve characteristics such as color, yield, and size. These tools are gaining traction in various agricultural applications, including molecular breeding, marker-assisted selection, tissue culture, genetically modified or edited crops, molecular diagnostic technologies, and conventional plant breeding.

Innovative work is being carried out by a handful of companies worldwide, from the USA to India and Europe, all focused on biotechnology in agriculture. This article aims to spotlight the groundbreaking efforts of these industry pioneers who are driving the future of sustainable and efficient farming practices.

Absolute

Absolute? is an India-based pathbreaking bioscience company leveraging billions of years of nature's intelligence to solve humanity's grandest challenges. Here are some of the key areas of work done by Absolute:

1. Natural crop inputs - Absolute has created the Inera brand of bioabled fertilizers, bioabled pesticides, and bioabled stimulants to reduce the need for synthetic chemicals while increasing yields. The company's focus is to develop a complete solution along with a parcel of practices for all major crops to ensure clean chemical-free food can be made available to the masses.?
2. Digitization for all stakeholders - Absolute has created a digital platform, Upaj, which leverages real-time farm monitoring and provides agronomy advisory to thousands of farmers while also making available services including soil testing, satellite-based alerts, contextual advisory for the individual grower, and last but not least risk mitigation through parametric insurance.
3. Last mile access for global agriculture trade - Absolute has created a platform, Silkroute, which solves for ‘information asymmetry’ in ‘unfamiliar markets’ across ‘non-standardized commodities’, using human capital and artificial intelligence. Silkroute allows buyers and sellers to trade in a variety of agricultural products, including grains, pulses, nuts, spices, oil, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, etc.
4. Sustainable agriculture - Absolute is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. The company's gene editing technology along with bioabled inputs and digital platforms can help reduce the need for farm inputs making farming more sustainable.

Absolute through, Xenesis - an advanced biotechnology research and development center, partner with nature and learn from its billions of years of evolutionary memories to create a better world- for people, for the planet. Its proprietary nature intelligence platform scans the planet’s vast biodiversity for bioable agriculture.

AgroSustain?

AgroSustain SA is a Swiss-based biotechnology company that develops natural solutions for crop protection. Here are some of the key areas of work done by AgroSustain:

1. Natural crop protection - AgroSustain develops natural solutions for crop protection that reduce the need for synthetic chemicals. The company's focus is on developing sustainable solutions that improve the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, reduce food waste, and protect the environment.
2. Biocontrol agents - AgroSustain develops biocontrol agents, which are natural microorganisms that can be used to control plant diseases. The company's biocontrol agents can be used to protect a range of crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and grapes.
3. Sustainable agriculture - AgroSustain is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. The company's natural crop protection solutions can help reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and create more sustainable food systems.
4. Food waste reduction - AgroSustain's solutions can help reduce food waste by extending the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. This can help reduce food waste throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption.

AgroSustain's work is focused on developing natural solutions for crop protection that reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and create more sustainable food systems. Their biocontrol agents and sustainable agriculture practices have the potential to revolutionize the way we grow and protect our food. Additionally, their focus on reducing food waste through extended shelf life can help address global food security challenges.

Benson Hill

Benson Hill is an American biotechnology company that specializes in computational biology and gene editing technologies to improve crop traits and sustainability. Here are some of the key areas of work done by Benson Hill:

1. Crop improvement - Benson Hill uses computational biology and gene editing technologies to improve crop traits such as yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance, and nutrition. The company's CropOS platform uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to identify genes that can be targeted for crop improvement.
2. Sustainable agriculture - Benson Hill is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. The company's CropOS platform can identify crops and varieties that are better suited for specific growing conditions, reducing the need for synthetic inputs like fertilizer and pesticides.
3. Plant-based ingredients - Benson Hill develops plant-based ingredients for use in food and beverage products. The company's Ultra-High Protein soybeans have a higher protein content than traditional soybeans and can be used to produce plant-based meat alternatives.

Benson Hill's work is focused on using cutting-edge technologies to develop sustainable and innovative solutions for the agriculture industry. Their work has the potential to improve crop yields, reduce the environmental impact of farming practices, and create more sustainable food systems for the future.

Inari

Inari is an American biotech innovator that uses gene editing and machine learning to develop crops with desirable traits, such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutrition. Here are some of the key areas of work done by Inari:

1. Gene editing - Inari uses CRISPR gene editing technology to make precise changes to plant DNA. This technology allows the company to develop crops with desirable traits, such as drought tolerance, disease resistance, and improved nutrition.
2. Crop development - Inari is developing a range of crops using gene editing technology, including corn, soybeans, and wheat. The company's focus is on developing crops that are more resilient, sustainable, and better suited to specific growing conditions.
3. Machine learning - Inari uses machine learning and data analytics to identify genes that can be targeted for crop improvement. This technology allows the company to develop crops more efficiently and effectively than traditional breeding methods.
4. Sustainable agriculture - Inari is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. The company's gene editing technology can help reduce the need for synthetic inputs like fertilizer and pesticides, making farming more sustainable.

Inari's work is focused on using cutting-edge technologies to develop crops with desirable traits that are more resilient, sustainable, and better suited to specific growing conditions. Their work has the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry by creating more sustainable and efficient ways to produce food.

KWS SAAT

KWS SAAT is a German-based biotechnology company that specializes in plant breeding and seed production. Here are some of the key areas of work done by KWS SAAT:

1. Plant breeding - KWS SAAT develops new plant varieties for a range of crops, including corn, sugarbeet, and cereals. The company's focus is on developing varieties that are more resilient to climate change and better suited to specific growing conditions.
2. Seed production - KWS SAAT produces and distributes high-quality seeds for a range of crops. The company's focus is on developing seeds that offer higher yields, better disease resistance, and improved quality.
3. Digital farming - KWS SAAT is developing digital tools and technologies to help farmers improve their crop management practices. The company's digital solutions include precision farming tools, such as satellite imagery and soil sensors, that help farmers optimize their use of inputs like fertilizer and water.
4. Sustainable agriculture - KWS SAAT is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. The company's plant breeding and seed production programs focus on developing crops that require fewer inputs, are more resistant to pests and diseases, and offer higher yields.

KWS SAAT's work is focused on developing new plant varieties and producing high-quality seeds that help farmers increase crop yields, reduce input use, and create more sustainable food systems. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture and digital farming tools has the potential to revolutionize the way we grow food and manage our natural resources.

Pairwise

Pairwise , an American Biotech innovator, uses gene editing technology to develop crops with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, improved flavor, and longer shelf life. Here are some of the key areas of work done by Pairwise:

1. Gene editing - Pairwise uses CRISPR gene editing technology to make precise changes to plant DNA. This technology allows the company to develop crops with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, improved flavor, and longer shelf life.
2. Crop development - Pairwise is developing a range of crops using gene editing technology, including strawberries, leafy greens, and cherries. The company's focus is on developing crops that are more flavorful, nutritious, and sustainable.
3. Consumer preferences - Pairwise is focused on developing crops that meet consumer preferences for taste, nutrition, and sustainability. The company works closely with food companies to understand consumer trends and develop crops that meet these preferences.

Pairwise's work is focused on developing crops with desirable traits using gene editing technology. Their work has the potential to revolutionize the agriculture industry by creating more sustainable crops that meet consumer preferences.

Pivot Bio

Pivot Bio is a biotechnology company that develops microbial solutions for agriculture. The company's focus is on developing natural, sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. Here are some of the key areas of work done by Pivot Bio:

1. Microbial solutions - Pivot Bio develops microbial solutions that help crops access more nitrogen from the soil. The company's flagship product, Pivot Bio PROVEN, is a nitrogen-fixing microbial solution that can replace up to half of the synthetic nitrogen fertilizer used on corn crops.
2. Sustainable agriculture - Pivot Bio is committed to sustainable agriculture and works to reduce the environmental impact of farming practices. By reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers, the company's microbial solutions can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil health.
3. Precision agriculture - Pivot Bio's microbial solutions are designed to work in conjunction with precision agriculture practices. By using data and analytics to understand specific growing conditions, the company's solutions can be targeted to where they are needed most, reducing waste and maximizing yield.
4. Crop development - Pivot Bio is also developing microbial solutions for other crops, such as wheat, rice, and soybeans. The company's goal is to develop natural, sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers for a range of crops.

Pivot Bio's work is focused on developing microbial solutions that help reduce the environmental impact of farming practices and create more sustainable food systems. Their work has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and increase crop yields while reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers.

Global Surge in Biotech Adoption

According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA Inc. ), biotech crops were cultivated on a total of 190.4 million hectares across 29 countries in 2019. This contributed significantly to food security, sustainability, and climate change mitigation, as well as upliftment in the lives of up to 17 million biotech farmers and their families globally. Double-digit growth rates in biotech crop areas were observed in developing countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Colombia. The top five countries with the largest area of biotech crops were the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, and India. With high adoption rates of principal biotech crops in these countries, approximately 1.95 billion people or 26% of the world benefited from biotechnology in 2019. These biotech products constitute a significant portion of fiber, feed, fuel, and food consumption globally.

The adoption of Genetically Edited crops worldwide is expected to drive the agricultural biotechnology market in the coming decades. Genome Editing overcomes the limitations of GM technologies and allows for improvements in existing local and regional crop varieties rather than introducing new ones. Emerging evidence indicates that plant breeders are using genome editing on local crops familiar to farmers and consumers.

About HnyB

HnyB is a boutique consulting company specializing in the dynamic intersection of Agriculture, Technology, and Economics. With a focus on the agriculture sector, HnyB provides expert guidance and strategic advice to various stakeholders within the agriculture ecosystem. Their services encompass a wide range of strategic areas, helping clients navigate the complex landscape of modern agriculture. By leveraging their expertise at the intersection of these fields, HnyB plays a vital role in shaping the future of agriculture, optimizing technology adoption, and driving economic growth in the agricultural sector.

About Author

Deepak Pareek is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder in the agriculture technology domain He has 25 years of diverse experience working across 34 countries on various projects. He is a well-decorated technocrat honored as Top 10 Agropreneur 2019 by Future Agro Challenge, Greece, and Technology Pioneer 2018 by World Economic Forum, Switzerland, and also advised various private, public, and multilateral organizations in the agriculture and technology domain.