Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS) has gained national recognition as a key player in the prestigious Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC), organized by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with AICTE and the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell. The innovative biopesticide, Tomatolixir, offers a groundbreaking 100% natural solution to tackle foliar pathogens in tomato farming.
MRIIRS received a cash award of Rs 25,000 in the first round, where 28 teams were selected across India and Rs 3 lakh in the final round, where 3 teams were selected nationwide, along with funding to advance this transformative solution, reinforcing its commitment to addressing critical agricultural challenges and stabilizing the tomato supply chain sustainably.
Tomato farming faces significant challenges due to foliar pathogens like bulls-eye pathogen, early blight, late blight, and bacterial blight, which can cause up to 80% of crop losses. Farmers often rely on chemical pesticides, which are carcinogenic, and teratogenic, and contribute to thyroid issues, pesticide residues, and pest resistance. Tomatolixir, developed with a “Lab to Land” approach, offers a 100% natural, low-cost, and effective alternative to these agrochemicals.
Prof. (Dr) Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI, remarked, “The recognition of Tomatolixir reflects our dedication to solving critical challenges facing India’s agricultural sector. Through our people, driven by purpose and passion, we fuel the enduring legacy of an organization built for sustained progress and timeless impact.
Prof. (Dr) Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI remarked, “Innovations like Tomatolixir enable us to empower farmers with sustainable solutions that align with national priorities such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.”
At the Tomato Grand Challenge felicitation event held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, graced the occasion alongside Prof. TG Sitharam, Chairman, AICTE, and Nidhi Khare, Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, among other dignitaries. The event highlighted the government’s strong support for agricultural innovation and boosted the sustainability of the sector.
Prof. (Dr) Nidhi Didwania, Director, of Manav Rachna Centre for Medicinal Plant Pathology (MRCMPP), who spearheaded the development of Tomatolixir, explained, “At Manav Rachna, teaching and research go hand in hand. The patented biopesticide, Tomatolixir, is an innovative, eco-friendly solution developed to enhance plant growth, biomass, and yield using natural compounds”.
Prof. (Dr) Sanjay Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, MRIIRS, said, “We are proud to contribute to the development of sustainable solutions that will ultimately benefit farmers and enhance food security for the nation.”
Beyond its agricultural impact, the Tomatolixir project has empowered rural women by providing support to Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Haryana. Through their involvement in the production and distribution of Tomatolixir, these women are improving their socio-economic status and becoming active contributors to their local economies.