Directorate of Innovation and Technology Transfer (DITT), Amity University organized a Technology Transfer ceremony of ‘ROOTONIC’ at Amity University, Noida. The Technology was transferred to Ms SOM PhytoPharma (India) Limited, Hyderabad. Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, Managing Director, SOM PhytoPharma (India) Limited completed the technology transfer with Dr. B.L. Arya, Registrar, Amity University.
ROOTONIC is the magic fungus (Piriformospora indica) that promotes agriculture, horticulture and productivity and was discovered by Prof. (Dr.) Ajit Varma, Gp.Dy.VC / Distinguished Scientist & Professor of Eminence, Amity Institute of Microbial Technology in 1990. “A number of green-house experiments and field trials were conducted in North India and extreme cold deserts of Leh-Ladakh with the fungus and the most astonishing part was that the fungus was screened from the extreme hot deserts which functioned well in extreme cold deserts. This is very unique symbiotic fungus which not only promotes plant growth but also has multi-functional activities,” shared Dr. Verma.
Mr. Venkatesh Devanur, MD, SOM Phytopharma (India) Limited shared his eagerness to be the bridge between the farmers and the scientific research. “We would like to monetise decades of research done by distinguished scientists like the ones present here and be a bridge between industry and research. After having availed the ‘ROOTONIC’ technology from Amity, we would make it available to the farmers in the next three months,” informed Mr. Devanur.
Dr. W. Selvamurthy, President - Amity Science, Technology & Innovation Foundation (ASTIF) and Director General – Amity Directorate of Science & Innovation called the partnership of immense value for promoting inclusive growth and sustainable development. “This technology has helped in improving productivity per hectare as observed in a number of experiments conducted by us over the years,” shared Dr. Selvamurthy. He also shared that SOM Phytopharma is a Research based Agri Biotech company. Its in-house lab is recognized as an R&D Unit by Government of India, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Academic and research collaborations were also discussed with Amity being used as a research partner for future projects undertaken by Mr. Devanur. “A long-term interest is being established with this collaboration,” added Dr. Selvamurthy.