From Local Roots to Global Recognition “Nath Bio-Genes’ Growth Story”
How an Indian company is competing on the world stage’
Agriculture has always been the backbone of India’s progress, a sector built on perseverance, innovation, and faith in the soil. Yet, there were times when this faith was tested, when droughts and uncertainty made farming a struggle for survival. It was during such times that a vision took root, a belief that hardwork, innovation, and empathy could transform the future of farming.
From this vision grew Nath Bio-Genes, a company that has, for over four decades, empowered farmers with high-performing seeds, sustainable solutions, and the promise of prosperity.
What began in the fields of Marathwada has today evolved into one of India’s leading seed enterprises, with a research-driven approach, a diverse product portfolio, and a growing global footprint. Guided by its founding spirit of responsibility and innovation, Nath Bio-Genes continues to bridge tradition with technology, nurturing not just crops, but confidence in every farmer it serves.
Founders: Visionaries Behind the Growth
After laying the foundation, Nandkishore Kagliwal went to establish the Nath Group in 1979, blending business acumen with a deep commitment to agricultural research and rural development.
Under his leadership, the Group diversified into multiple sectors while keeping farmers at its core. His younger brother, Satish Kagliwal, Managing Director since 2005, significantly expanded the company’s reach and impact, while founding the Seed Industry Association of Maharashtra and the National Seed Association of India to strengthen India’s seed sector and foster collaboration across the industry.
Innovations and Milestones
Nath Bio-Genes’ journey has been marked by bold choices. In 1992, the company established a state-of-the-art Tissue Culture Facility, laying the foundation for world-class research in seed development.
In 1994, Nath Seeds marked a landmark moment by becoming the ‘First Seed Company in India to Go Public.’
Around the same time, the company embarked on a bold path in cotton research. Instead of adopting the BG2 gene licensed from Monsanto, Nath Bio-Genes collaborated with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to develop ‘Fusion BT,’ an alternative BT cotton technology. This pioneering step led to the creation of Nath Sanket BGII cotton seeds, which quickly became market leaders.
Furthermore, with WIN-CHI-WIN, the company introduced one of the most popular organic biostimulants, helping farmers enhance productivity across cereals, vegetables, horticultural crops, and cotton.
Nath Bio-Genes also expanded its international footprint through research collaborations in the Philippines and Uzbekistan, focusing on cotton and rice development respectively.
Extending its farmer-first approach beyond seeds, the company promoted the Paithan Mega Food Park near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. Spread over 110 acres, it integrates a Central Processing Centre with Primary Processing Centres and collection hubs, enabling efficient farm-to-market linkages, value addition, and rural employment generation.
Awards & Recognition
Nath Bio-Genes’ commitment to innovation and excellence has earned several prestigious accolades, including:
– Vasantrao Naik Prathisthan Award – for contributions to enhancing agri productivity. – National Seed Association of India Award – recognising excellence in the seed industry. – Bio-Excellence Award – for achievements in agricultural biotechnology. – Forbes Asia “Best Under a Billion” 2020 – celebrating business performance and growth.
Flagship Products
Nath Bio-Genes has emerged as a trusted ally for Indian farmers by offering high-yielding and resilient crop varieties that perform consistently even under changing climatic conditions. Decades of scientific research, farmer feedback, and field innovation have shaped its diverse portfolio, making its products the preferred choice for millions of cultivators across India.
Cotton Varieties
Cotton has been one of the strongest pillars of Nath Bio-Genes’ growth journey. From legacy hybrids that earned farmer trust to newer high-performing varieties, the company continues to redefine cotton productivity in India.
- Somnath, Kashinath, Jagannath — long-standing hybrids widely adopted across cotton-growing regions.
- Nath Sanket — among the most popular hybrids, reflecting the company’s success in advanced cotton breeding. With a hallmark of ‘extra-ordinary fluffy boll opening,’ the variety stands out for its adaptability and consistent performance across challenging agro-climatic conditions.
- Jumbo-303 — a hybrid variety with a USP of exceptional yield potential ● Rana-900 — preferred for its reliable yield performance and ease of harvest.
Hybrid Rice Varieties
- Gorakhnath-509, Loknath-505 — trusted hybrid rice varieties with proven farmer acceptance for their superior grain quality, taste and good yield capacity.
- Dhadak, Dhadak Gold, Gajab — newer generation hybrids combining yield potential with profitability.
- Khushi-27, Shweta-43, Mehak-92 (Basmati type) — improved varieties known for grain quality and adaptability.
- Nath Poha — a specially developed variety preferred for flattened rice (poha) processing due to its superior texture and yield.
Pearl Millet (Bajra)
- Eknath-301 — a well-established hairy millet variety.
- Super-27 — recognised for its versatility and dual use for grain and fodder. ● NBH-1717 — developed for uniform growth and strong field performance.
Hybrid Maize (Corn)
- Dominator-401 — a widely adopted hybrid for dependable productivity. ● NMH-1008 — verified for its orange bold grain and excellent cob tip filling. ● NMH-1133 — recognised for shiny orange grain, high shelling percentage, and strong yield potential.
Biostimulants and Vegetable Crops
- WIN-CHI-WIN — Nath Bio-Genes’ flagship organic biostimulant, widely used to promote robust growth and yield enhancement across crops.
- Vegetable Seed Range — high-quality seeds developed for uniformity, disease resistance, and adaptability.
Key Features of Nath Bio-Genes Products
– Tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses
– Excellent disease resistance
– Stable yields even under adverse climatic conditions
– Continuous innovation to meet evolving farmer needs
Stewardship: Future-Proofing the Farmer of India and Beyond
If the last generation asked, “Can we restore faith in farming?” the next must ask, “How do we future-proof the Indian farmer in an age of climate uncertainty?”
At the heart of Nath Bio-Genes’ operations is Stewardship, a philosophy that emphasises ethical business practices, sustainable agriculture, and community well-being. Through its Nath Farmer Advisor team, the company provides farmers with hands-on guidance, from seed selection to yield optimisation, ensuring they have the tools and knowledge to succeed. This farmer-first ethos reflects Nath Bio-Genes’ belief that true progress is measured not only in business growth but also in the transformation of lives and communities.
Conclusion
Through every milestone, Nath Bio-Genes has remained anchored to its roots, supporting farmers, investing in innovation, and combining local knowledge with global best practices. From the humble fields of Marathwada to markets across India and beyond, its journey mirrors the evolution of Indian agriculture itself: small steps of innovation leading to large-scale impact. It is this enduring commitment to improving lives while driving sustainable growth that truly embodies the Group’s ethos: Passion Beyond Business.