In Talk with Nisha M M, Co- Founder & Director- Research
Miklens Bio: a futuristic remedy addressing the challenges of the Indian Agriculture Industry with its Agri-Microbial Technology prowess
Agriculture, the backbone of the country has been marred with a host of problems- from degraded soil quality, attacks by new pest and diseases, falling yields to mounting input costs and multitude other of problems. Furthermore, the haphazard use of chemical based agri-inputs to outdo competition and produce crops all-round the year has paralyzed the agriculture industry, not to mention leaving the chemical residue in the crops which finds its way to our food plate. An experienced banker, Santosh Nair observed the distress caused by the synthetic agri inputs and decided to find an alternative means to this ecological degradation by harnessing the power of microbes and their extracts along with Nisha with her expertise in research arena. This vision came to fruition with the inception of Miklens Bio on August 22, 2016 as a catalyst which was about to bring "A New Hope" and "A New Agriculture" to the fellow farmer brethren. Incorporated with a vow to strengthen the roots of agriculture while keeping environmental sustainability in focus, Miklens Bio today has created a niche in the 'pure bio' segment. Today, a 10,000 sq feet bio manufacturing facility and R & D laboratory stands as the beating heart of Miklens Bio, which has an installed capacity of manufacturing 10 lakh litres annually. Miklens Bio homes a large catalogue of pest & pathogen-specific research-based agri inputs like Plant Growth Enhancers, Plant Protection, Bio-Fertilizers and Bio-Pesticides developed on the ground of latest scientific advancements which is being termed as Agri-Microbial Technology (AMT). Bestowed with a strong penetration in the Agriculture Industry within two years of its incorporation, it seems that the frontrunner has been there for decades. What has been the secret formula behind this biotechnology magnet's endeavor?
The answer lies within the robust expertise infused by Nisha M M in the research and development adroitness of the organization. Taking a leap from the chemical industry to organic spectrum was a hard journey for this leading lady. Steering the R&D prowess of the entity toward the newer heights, Nisha's contribution is phenomenal. Bringing her rich biotechnology exposure on board, Nisha has played an instrumental role in crafting Miklens Bio's core competency, AMT. Nestling over 16 years of experience in leading R&D withextensive knowledge in Agriculture, Microbiology & Biotechnology techniques, Nisha heads the research and development wing of the organization. Till date, Nisha has successfully rolled out over 27 products addressing various issues related to agriculture. Identified more than 20 microbial strains and has 8 patents in her name. She is an Agricultural Entomologist and has been awarded the prestigious "Pioneer Researcher" by ICAR under AICRP. She has invented 10 new microbes capable of addressing various pest and disease management. Also, has designed cost-effective downstream processing techniques to reduce manufacturing cost.
To further gain insights over her remarkable contribution in taking Miklens Bio to greater pinnacles, Startup City Magazine interviewed Nisha M M over a host of issues.
How has Miklens Bio created a new momentum in the Agricultural Industry?
Our bio start-up has an ambitious goal to promote sustainable edge to the society and environment. Chemical agri-inputs has done more damage than good, the health of the farmers, soil deterioration, environment degradation and host of other issues. We wish to reduce the dependency of farmers on chemical inputs. Our products contain microbial extracts which kill the target pathogen in unique ways and do not harm the beneficial micro-organisms in the soil.
Since inception, our mission has been to provide innovative farming solutions to create maximum benefits to farmers and consumers. Armed by our vision, we endeavour to bring effective, non-poisonous, eco-friendly, residue free and cost-effective products to the society. Biotechnology-driven agriculture holds the key to meet these growing food requirements of the population. It has the capability to generate a higher and better-quality yield without compromising on the health and sustainability aspects of farming.
With the advent of MiklensBio's revolutionary Agri Microbial Technology (AMT) that offers farmers residue free agri-inputs, the farmer now has an option to switch over to a safer and cost-effective alternative that provides organic produce and helps to improve the soil health. This boost yields and results in better realisations as well.
Throw some light over the sui genres product line of Miklens Bio. What makes them stand apart?
Miklens Bio's research process is focussed on the microorganisms and thus is successful in developing a specialized range of bio-agri inputs. Our products are tested and provide a seal of assurance with regards to improved yields and improving the quality of the land, soil and overall environment. Our products are bifurcated into the following categories:
Agri Microbial Technology (AMT) based bio agri inputs eliminate the risks associated with conventional farming and significantly enhance yields. The use of chemical pesticides over a prolonged period causes the development of resistance, and might eventually lead to the evolution of superbugs, resistant to most chemicals. Our products offer a solution to all these ailments. Being organic in nature they dissimilate in the ecosystem thereby maximizing agricultural productivity and sustainability while reducing adverse environmental impact. Most importantly, our innovation is cost-effective, providing a natural affordable solution with better efficacy.
How is Miklens Bio chartering "A New Hope" to provide a safe, healthy and sustainable avenue for farming to the farmer brethren?
Our Agri Microbial Technology (AMT) is the most unique aspect which we offer to the market and the agri community. We foresee the future to be completely driven by reduction in chemical agri inputs. The world is waking up to the rays of organic produce and parallel, want the farmlands to retain their nutrient value. Both these can be achieved only through unique offering like ours.
Our advent of providing residue free bio-agri inputs by taking proper care of the environment as well as the society had positioned us at the heart of the Indian agriculture industry. We are putting our blood and sweat to help the farmer community to help them in increasing their productivity and reducing their dependency on chemical products. We proudly boast ourselves in constructing a natural way that is safe, biodegradable, residue-free and environmentally friendly and leads farmers in reaping maximum ROI.
By touching the mark of Rs. 5.4 crore in your first year of operations, future definitely holds brighter days for Miklens Bio?
Well, we have already planted our growth seeds in the US, Canada and Mauritius markets along with 65 marquee players across Indian geography. In the coming few years, we aim to have 1000 prominent dealers on board with us. We have been successful in creating footprints in other countries as well including UAE and other South East Asian countries. With around 9 containers of Microbial NPK exported to the international markets, we are positive that we would do atleast double in current FY. We are dedicated to bringing about a change in the agricultural canvas by proving to be the best alternative provider to the way agriculture is practiced in India. Promoting clean & chemical free agriculture is our small attempt to bring back India on the global map with Agriculture as its backbone.
A piece of advice for the young entrepreneurs
To my fellow entrepreneurs, I would say that, patience is the key to satisfaction which eventually comes from perseverance, dedication and the zest to continue with failures by taking it as learnings. Meditate on the Learnings and Focus on Innovation.
