WBF India Chapter
Established 9th December 2019
The WBF India chapter aims to continue the work of the global organization within India, by:
- Building bridges between academia and industry by encouraging R&D collaboration
- Creating awareness about the need and importance of bioprotectants at all levels
- Encouraging the development of next-generation formulation and delivery systems
- Educating innovators and entrepreneurs about raising investment for start-ups and SMEs, while working to create more general investor interest in this sector
- Supporting start-ups and disruptors in attracting investment and early adopters.
Board members for the 2-year period* beginning 9th December 2021:
Management Committee:
Ramachandra Murthy P
Executive Director
Ramachandra Murthy Pulumati is an Agri Business professional with a thorough understanding of the complex socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental aspects of Agriculture and Agri Businesses in India and other major agrarian economies across the world.
He founded Interface Agricultural Technologies Private Ltd – a management consulting enterprise for Agri-Businesses in the year 2006 and has been leading as CEO since inception. INTERFACE is actively engaged in Consulting, Skill Development, Leadership & Management, Entrepreneurship Development. Prior to founding Interface, he served a broad range of agri businesses that include Crop Protection, Seeds, Nutrition, Micro-Irrigation and International Trade, for a period spanning three decades, in various capacities. His contribution to the growth of the crop protection products industry in India is widely recognized.
He helped Dow Agro Sciences in India to implement the company’s global market strategies and in building strong brands .He has pioneered the development of an effective platform for the crop protection industry to collaborate amongst themselves as well as with the larger agricultural inputs industry, NGOs as well as government and media.
Has experience and expertise in leading large Stewardship Projects in India that involves training and influencing through partnerships.
President:
Position open for nomination
Vice President:
Dr M. K. Naik
Vice President, WBF India Chapter
Dr MK Naik, Professor at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka and former Vice Chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, is a well-known figure in biological control and PGPR research. He has conducted extensive research on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPM) and use of Probiotics as biocontrol agents integrating these inputs in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). He has been involved in selection of potential bio agents, namely Pseudomonas fluorescens, their characterization and identification of antibiotics.
He is the man behind the standardized work and technology transfer on mass production, formulation, delivery, and application of PGPR to the farmer’s field. His robust inputs were adopted for application in 18,000 ha by the Government of Karnataka.
*A new Board will be elected in December 2023
President:
Position open for nomination
If you would like nominate a new President of the India Chapter, please contact the WBF Chairman, minshad.ansari@worldbioprotectionforum.com
Vice President:
Mr Deepak Singhal
The World BioProtection Forum
deepak.singhal@iplbiologicals.com
Mr. Singhal is Vice President – International Business with IPL biologicals Limited, the world technology leader in biological agri-inputs. In his 11 years of association with IPL, he has been responsible for turning it into a technology powerhouse renowned for innovation, high quality products, and customer solution-provider.
A Mechanical Engineer from Birla Institute of Technology, and MBA from IIM-Ahmedabad, Deepak Singhal has over 35 years of diverse industry experience. He is an inorganic value creator and has been involved in transforming numerous businesses through inorganic growth, turn-arounds/re-structuring, M&A, JV, new projects, and implementing business excellence. He has exceptional skill in diagnosis and developing strategy, and has transformed inefficient organizations into dynamic market leaders.
While his functional grounding is in International Business and Strategy, he has managed complex multi-company, multi-JV, multi-location Businesses as CEO / MD. He has experience in a number of industries such as healthcare, pharma, biotech, and also earlier in automobile, engineering, telecom, IT, steel, and financial services with some of the most dynamic companies in India and overseas.
He has extensive international hands-on experience across the globe in North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
*A new Board will be elected in December 2023
Advisors to the India Chapter
Dr KRK Reddy
Founder,
Sri Biotech Laboratories
Dr Reddy started Sri Biotech Laboratories India in1994 ( now acquired by an Italian company) to develop safe, green, practical alternatives for crop nutrition and protection. Under his leadership, the company has received several National and International grants to establish collaborative research under public-private partnerships, and he has filed several patents.
Dr Praharaju Laxminarayana
MD,
A.G. Biosystems
With 41 years’ experience in biopesticides and agrochemicals, Mr. Praharaju Laxminarayana is a specialist in Agro Input marketing, in particular Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management & Organic farming. He is currently Managing Director of Ag Bio Systems Pvt Ltd, India.
He has worked/working for or associated with (as business associate or in a consultancy role) a number of national and international companies, such as Sumitomo Chemical, Koppert
Biological Systems, ATGC Biotech, Agri Life, Ecobiocides, Neelagreeva and Jyotridraditya. Recent positions include Chairman of the Bioproducts Research Consortium (ICRISAT, Hyderabad), Vice President of the South Asian Society for Promotion of Pheromone Technology (SASAPPT), Vice President Bioagri Input Producers Association (BIPA), President World Bio Protection Forum, India Chapter and Project coordinator of DBT BIRAC (New Delhi) Project on Myco Herbicides. He holds membership to numerous industry groups and is a regular contributor to national and international academic conferences.
He was also a Director on the Board of State Bank of Hyderabad (now merged into the State Bank of India) from 2003 – 2007.
Praharaju Laxminarayana regularly lectures/talks on agricultural biotechnology, with special reference to biological disease, Weed and pest management, at several Conferences, NGOs and government bodies. He has guided many graduate and post graduate students,encouraging younger generations to embrace the values of green AgriTech and itsfuture potential.
Dr. Rajan
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
Dr. Rajan, is a creative Plant Nematologist, who has devoted his career (since 1978) to research in biosafety, biosecurity, pest risk analysis, biological control, bio pesticides, integrated pest management, alien invasive pests and other specialized areas of plant protection.
Dr. Rajan is author/co-author of over 150 research/ technical papers and he has delivered innumerable lectures at national and international symposia, schools and colleges, and farmers’ forums. He has served on several technical committees constituted by international and national organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Biotechnology, and agricultural universities.
Dr. Rajan intercepted and recorded more than 60 species of alien plant parasitic nematodes belonging to 30 genera from imported seeds/ planting material, several of which are not yet known to occur in India. He carried out Pest Risk Analysis on pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) for India, for effective biosecurity and trade facilitation services. He participated in Indo-Canada, Indo-US and Indo-Japan trade negotiations for phytosanitary trade and actively participated in various ministry level negotiation meetings on imports of agricultural products. As a member of the core group, he assisted in developing a policy document “National Biosecurity Authority” under the Ministry of Agriculture. He also contributed in preparation of policy paper on “Agricultural Biosecurity System” in India. He provided inputs on International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs of IPPC) when they were being developed by FAO. He has comprehensive knowledge on most advanced Biosecurity Systems prevailing in USA, Australia and New Zealand. He has experience in developing national bio security system; assisted in developing National Quarantine Laws; Coordinated Pest Surveillance Programs, Emergency Response Procedures and Post Entry Quarantine Processes.
Dr. Rajan has track record for his contributions in policies, risks calibration/ involved and regulatory affairs on import and export of biocontrol agents and plant germplasm. He is functional expert on pesticides regulations, plant and insect quarantine related laws, bio-security and bio-safety policies of Govt. of India.
Jai Prakash Mishra
Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd
Qualifiation- M.sc (Ag) Extension, PGDC in Plant Protection,
PG Certification in Advance General Management IIM Shillong
Acting as a Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd.
A dynamic professional with over 29 years of experience with the global and Indian agriculture sector players. Having demonstrated history of working in the Indian Seed industry. Skilled in business planning, operational excellence, sales, product development and market research. Known for having sharp business acumen and team man in the seed industry. Extensive knowledge of Southeast Asian vegetable seed industry acquired at micro and macro levels.
Dr M. K.Naik
Vice President, WBF India Chapter
Dr MK Naik, Professor at University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka and former Vice Chancellor of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, is a well-known figure in biological control and PGPR research. He has conducted extensive research on Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPM) and use of Probiotics as biocontrol agents integrating these inputs in Integrated Pest Management (IPM). He has been involved in selection of potential bio agents, namely Pseudomonas fluorescens, their characterization and identification of antibiotics.
He is the man behind the standardized work and technology transfer on mass production, formulation, delivery, and application of PGPR to the farmer’s field. His robust inputs were adopted for application in 18,000 ha by the Government of Karnataka.
Dr. Rajan
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
Dr. Rajan, is a creative Plant Nematologist, who has devoted his career (since 1978) to research in biosafety, biosecurity, pest risk analysis, biological control, bio pesticides, integrated pest management, alien invasive pests and other specialized areas of plant protection.
Dr. Rajan is author/co-author of over 150 research/ technical papers and he has delivered innumerable lectures at national and international symposia, schools and colleges, and farmers’ forums. He has served on several technical committees constituted by international and national organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Biotechnology, and agricultural universities.
Dr. Rajan intercepted and recorded more than 60 species of alien plant parasitic nematodes belonging to 30 genera from imported seeds/ planting material, several of which are not yet known to occur in India. He carried out Pest Risk Analysis on pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) for India, for effective biosecurity and trade facilitation services. He participated in Indo-Canada, Indo-US and Indo-Japan trade negotiations for phytosanitary trade and actively participated in various ministry level negotiation meetings on imports of agricultural products. As a member of the core group, he assisted in developing a policy document “National Biosecurity Authority” under the Ministry of Agriculture. He also contributed in preparation of policy paper on “Agricultural Biosecurity System” in India. He provided inputs on International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs of IPPC) when they were being developed by FAO. He has comprehensive knowledge on most advanced Biosecurity Systems prevailing in USA, Australia and New Zealand. He has experience in developing national bio security system; assisted in developing National Quarantine Laws; Coordinated Pest Surveillance Programs, Emergency Response Procedures and Post Entry Quarantine Processes.
Dr. Rajan has track record for his contributions in policies, risks calibration/ involved and regulatory affairs on import and export of biocontrol agents and plant germplasm. He is functional expert on pesticides regulations, plant and insect quarantine related laws, bio-security and bio-safety policies of Govt. of India.
Jai Prakash Mishra
Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd
Qualifiation- M.sc (Ag) Extension, PGDC in Plant Protection,
PG Certification in Advance General Management IIM Shillong
Acting as a Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd.
A dynamic professional with over 29 years of experience with the global and Indian agriculture sector players. Having demonstrated history of working in the Indian Seed industry. Skilled in business planning, operational excellence, sales, product development and market research. Known for having sharp business acumen and team man in the seed industry. Extensive knowledge of Southeast Asian vegetable seed industry acquired at micro and macro levels.
Jai Prakash Mishra
Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd
Qualifiation- M.sc (Ag) Extension, PGDC in Plant Protection,
PG Certification in Advance General Management IIM Shillong
Acting as a Vice President (S&M) Vegetable Business with Tierra Agrotech Ltd.
A dynamic professional with over 29 years of experience with the global and Indian agriculture sector players. Having demonstrated history of working in the Indian Seed industry. Skilled in business planning, operational excellence, sales, product development and market research. Known for having sharp business acumen and team man in the seed industry. Extensive knowledge of Southeast Asian vegetable seed industry acquired at micro and macro levels.
Management Committee
Ramachandra Murthy P
Executive Director
Ramachandra Murthy Pulumati is an Agri Business professional with a thorough understanding of the complex socio-economic, political, cultural and environmental aspects of Agriculture and Agri Businesses in India and other major agrarian economies across the world.
He founded Interface Agricultural Technologies Private Ltd – a management consulting enterprise for Agri-Businesses in the year 2006 and has been leading as CEO since inception. INTERFACE is actively engaged in Consulting, Skill Development, Leadership & Management, Entrepreneurship Development. Prior to founding Interface, he served a broad range of agri businesses that include Crop Protection, Seeds, Nutrition, Micro-Irrigation and International Trade, for a period spanning three decades, in various capacities. His contribution to the growth of the crop protection products industry in India is widely recognized.
He helped Dow Agro Sciences in India to implement the company’s global market strategies and in building strong brands .He has pioneered the development of an effective platform for the crop protection industry to collaborate amongst themselves as well as with the larger agricultural inputs industry, NGOs as well as government and media.
Has experience and expertise in leading large Stewardship Projects in India that involves training and influencing through partnerships.
Dr Praharaju Laxminarayana
MD,
A.G. Biosystems
With 41 years’ experience in biopesticides and agrochemicals, Mr. Praharaju Laxminarayana is a specialist in Agro Input marketing, in particular Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Nutrient Management & Organic farming. He is currently Managing Director of Ag Bio Systems Pvt Ltd, India.
He has worked/working for or associated with (as business associate or in a consultancy role) a number of national and international companies, such as Sumitomo Chemical, Koppert
Biological Systems, ATGC Biotech, Agri Life, Ecobiocides, Neelagreeva and Jyotridraditya. Recent positions include Chairman of the Bioproducts Research Consortium (ICRISAT, Hyderabad), Vice President of the South Asian Society for Promotion of Pheromone Technology (SASAPPT), Vice President Bioagri Input Producers Association (BIPA), President World Bio Protection Forum, India Chapter and Project coordinator of DBT BIRAC (New Delhi) Project on Myco Herbicides. He holds membership to numerous industry groups and is a regular contributor to national and international academic conferences.
He was also a Director on the Board of State Bank of Hyderabad (now merged into the State Bank of India) from 2003 – 2007.
Praharaju Laxminarayana regularly lectures/talks on agricultural biotechnology, with special reference to biological disease, Weed and pest management, at several Conferences, NGOs and government bodies. He has guided many graduate and post graduate students,encouraging younger generations to embrace the values of green AgriTech and itsfuture potential.
Dr. Rajan
Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi
Dr. Rajan, is a creative Plant Nematologist, who has devoted his career (since 1978) to research in biosafety, biosecurity, pest risk analysis, biological control, bio pesticides, integrated pest management, alien invasive pests and other specialized areas of plant protection.
Dr. Rajan is author/co-author of over 150 research/ technical papers and he has delivered innumerable lectures at national and international symposia, schools and colleges, and farmers’ forums. He has served on several technical committees constituted by international and national organizations such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Department of Biotechnology, and agricultural universities.
Dr. Rajan intercepted and recorded more than 60 species of alien plant parasitic nematodes belonging to 30 genera from imported seeds/ planting material, several of which are not yet known to occur in India. He carried out Pest Risk Analysis on pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) for India, for effective biosecurity and trade facilitation services. He participated in Indo-Canada, Indo-US and Indo-Japan trade negotiations for phytosanitary trade and actively participated in various ministry level negotiation meetings on imports of agricultural products. As a member of the core group, he assisted in developing a policy document “National Biosecurity Authority” under the Ministry of Agriculture. He also contributed in preparation of policy paper on “Agricultural Biosecurity System” in India. He provided inputs on International Standards on Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs of IPPC) when they were being developed by FAO. He has comprehensive knowledge on most advanced Biosecurity Systems prevailing in USA, Australia and New Zealand. He has experience in developing national bio security system; assisted in developing National Quarantine Laws; Coordinated Pest Surveillance Programs, Emergency Response Procedures and Post Entry Quarantine Processes.
Dr. Rajan has track record for his contributions in policies, risks calibration/ involved and regulatory affairs on import and export of biocontrol agents and plant germplasm. He is functional expert on pesticides regulations, plant and insect quarantine related laws, bio-security and bio-safety policies of Govt. of India.
