The CFCL–TERI Centre of Excellence (CoE) is a collaborative initiative between Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited (CFCL) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), dedicated to advancing sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices in India. The CoE aims to address challenges such as stagnating productivity, soil degradation, and declining nutrient-use efficiency by developing “Bio, Active ingredients (AI) and Nano-biotechnology-based agri-inputs that improve crop yield, enhance soil health, provide crop protection and reduce environmental effects.
The CFCL–TERI CoE was established in 2024, the centre focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of next-generation fertilizers, bio-stimulants, and crop protection solutions that complement conventional agri-inputs to promote advanced and sustainable agriculture.
Source: internet
Source: internet
Vision
To build a sustainable and climate resilient agricultural ecosystem via innovation in “Bio and Nano-based agri-inputs”, aligning with nation’s precedence like the “BioE³ initiative programme” and the “PM PRANAM Scheme”.
Objectives & Scope of Work
- Develop advanced bio-based, AI-based and nano-based agricultural inputs such as biofertilizers, biostimulants, bio-pesticides and nanofertilizers to provide eco-friendly alternatives to chemical inputs.
- Improve nutrient-use efficiency and soil health, addressing issues of stagnating productivity and soil degradation.
- Support sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, contributing to national food security goals.
- Conduct end-to-end research, validation, and scale-up of agri-inputs through lab-to-field development over the collaboration period.
- Enable commercialization with industry readiness by leveraging TERI’s scientific capability and CFCL’s manufacturing and farmer-network strengths.
- Generate and disseminate scientific evidence, field demonstrations, and capacity building for farmer adoption and stakeholder awareness.
- Provide knowledge and support for policy and regulatory alignment to advance bio-based agri-solutions in India.
Research Themes:
The CFCL–TERI CoE is dedicated to enhancing nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and improving soil fertility while protecting microbial diversity and soil organic carbon. It aims to reduce reliance on chemical based fertilizers and pesticides, promote low-emission and climate-smart agricultural practices, and provide farmers with eco-safe and cost-effective agri-solutions.
Focus Areas
Nano & Biogenic Fertilizers
The CoE pioneers the development of high-efficiency nano and biogenic fertilizers that enhance NUE and reduce losses from leaching and volatilization. The advanced formulations like “Uttam Pranam Nano-Phosphorus” and “Uttam Superrhiza” are developed to improve nutrient absorption, boost crop yield, and promote soil health. They also help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and minimize environmental impact by preventing nutrient runoff.
The second-generation nano products under development combine essential micronutrients (Zn, B, Cu and Fe) with nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, calcium and magnesium sources, offering an integrated solution for crop nutrition and sustainability.
Source: https://www.teriin.org/photo-story/teri-gram-gwal-pahari
Soil Health & Microbial Consortia
Healthy soils are the basis of sustainable agriculture. The CoE focuses on developing customized microbial consortia combining Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), Ectomycorrhizal Fungi (EMF), and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) to restore the biological balance of soils.
These microbial blends are designed for specific agro-climatic zones and crop types, offering multifaceted benefits:
- Enhanced carbon sequestration and soil organic carbon (SOC) buildup.
- Improved nutrient solubilization and plant-microbe interactions.
- Greater resistance to abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and temperature extremes.
Source: AI generated
Biological Crop Protection
Knowing the growing need for safe and sustainable substitutions to chemical based pesticides, the Centre is stressing on the development of bio-based products, such as bio-fungicide, bio-nematicide, and bio-insecticide derived from beneficial microorganisms. The Centre is also emphasizing on developing biological crop protection solutions based on microbial actives, natural metabolites, and biogenic compounds. These include AI based formulations of fungicides, nematicide, and insecticides.
These bio-based protectants will offer:
- Zero-residue pest and disease control, ensuring food and environmental safety.
- Multi-pathway action, enhancing resilience against resistance buildup.
- Compatibility with organic and integrated pest management (IPM) practices.
CFCL–TERI CoE envisions (2024–2029):
The CFCL–TERI CoE aims to create a sustainable products pipeline that bridges laboratory innovation with field-level application. Each product under development aims to tackle specific agricultural challenges including nutrient imbalance, soil health, pest pressure, and crop stress while aligning with PM-PRANAM and BioE³ initiatives to promote biomanufacturing and green agri-inputs for sustainable and climate resilient agriculture.
The CFCL–TERI CoE envisions:
- Launch of commercial-grade nano and biogenic agri-inputs.
- Expansion into region-specific formulations for major agro-climatic zones.
- Establishment of bio-based manufacturing clusters aligned with India’s BioE³ mission.
- Continuous engagement with farmers, policymakers, and industry partners to promote sustainable agriculture at scale.
Leadership Speaks
Dr. Vibha Dhawan, Director General, TERI
“Traditional chemicals alone cannot meet the food security challenge of 2050. Through this partnership, we are creating biological solutions that enhance productivity while ensuring environmental and human health.”
Mr. Abhay Baijal, Managing Director, CFCL
“The success of Uttam Superrhiza and Uttam Pranam led us to establish this Centre of Excellence. Together with TERI, we aim to deliver sustainable bio-based solutions that strengthen agriculture and protect our planet.”
Scientific Team
A multidisciplinary team including the members listed below from TERI leads the research and innovation under this CoE:
Dr. Pushplata Singh, Mr. Deepak Kumar, Dr. Mandira Kocher, Dr. Palash Kumar Manna, Dr. Shovon Mandal, Dr. Amrit Kaur, Dr. Leena Johny, Dr. Mayurika Goel, Dr. Suneeti Singh, Dr. Alka Pandey, Dr. Vatsala Kaul, Dr. Natasha Yadav, Dr. Pratima Vasistha.
Contact Us: Dr Pushplata Singh Director, Centre for Nano Research Area and Agricultural Biotechnology Area TERI Deakin nanobiotechnology centre, TERI GRAM, Gual Pahari, Gurgaon, India Email: Pushplata.singh@teri.res.in Phone: +91-11-24682100 (Extn. 2616)