BIOCYTE AGRO RESEARCH CENTER

Submitted by

Mr. VASUDEV.S

(Reg No: 0825G0170)

Under the guidance of

Ms. MAGESWARI, MBA., PGDED.

Submitted in partial fulfillment for the requirements for the award of degree of

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WITH

COMPUTER APPLICATION

DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCIENCES

V.L.B. JANAKIAMMAL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
(AFFILIATED TO BHARATHIAR UNIVERSITY)
(ISO 9001:2000 CERTIFIED INSTITUTION & ACCREDITED BY NAAC)
COIMBATORE-641042

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I wish to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. K.Palaniappan, M.sc, Ph.D,
Secretary, V.L.B Janakiammal College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore for permitting
me to undergo this institutional training.

I sincerely express my profound thanks to honorable Principal Dr.K.Viswanathan,

M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D. for giving me the opportunity to do this institutional training.

My sincere thanks to Ms. J.Anuradha, MBA., M.Phil, our respected Head of The
Department, for her expert guidance and support all through my training work.

I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my guide Ms. Mageswari, MBA., PGDED,

for her constant encouragement and technical advices which helped me for completing
this training successfully.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the authorities of “BIOCYTE AGRO

RESEARCH CENTER” for providing me all the details about the company and for
their wholehearted cooperation throughout the training period.

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 DECLARATION

This is to declare that the report of Institutional Training done at “BIOCYTE AGRO
RESEARCH CENTER” submitted to Bharathiar university in partial fulfillment of
requirement for the award of degree of Bachelor of Business Management With
Computer Applications is a record of original institutional training report done by me
during the academic year 2008 – 2011 at V.L.B Janakiammal College of Arts and
Science, Coimbatore.

Mr.VASUDEV.S
(RegNo: 0825G0170)

Place: Coimbatore
Date:

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 CONTENT
Sl.no. Topics Page no.
1 Introduction 5
2 Company profile
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2.1.Activities of biocyte agro research center

3 Objectives of the company 7

4 Advantages of biofertilizers 7
5 Commercial prospects 7
6 Biofertilizer technology 8
7 Product description 8
8 Functional departments 9

8.1. Production department 10

8.2. Marketing department 11
8.3. Human resource department 11
8.4. Finance department 12

9 Mushroom production unit 15

10 Mushroom production 15
10.1. Biocyte oyster mushroom 16
10.2. Biocyte milky mushroom 16
10.3. Quality 16
10.4. Transportation and storage 16
10.5. Marketing 17

11 Turmeric production unit 17

11.1. Product 17
11.2. Materials 17
11.3. Production unit 18
11.4. Cultural practices 19
11.5. Manuring 19

12 Viability 20
13 Conclusion 21

BIOCYTE AGRO RESEARCH CENTRE

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Introduction

Sustainable crop production depends much on good soil health. Such a much on
good soil health. Soil health maintenance warrants optimum combination of organic and
inorganic components of the soil. Repeated use of chemical fertilizers destroys soil biota.
In nature, there are a number of useful soil microorganisms, which can help plants absorb
nutrients. Their utility can be enhanced with human intervention by selecting efficient
organisms, culturing them and adding them to soils directly or through seeds. The
cultured microorganisms packed in some carrier material for easy application in the field
are called bio-fertilizers.

Bio-fertilizers are living microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and algal origin. Their
mode of action differs and can be applied alone or in combination. By systematic
research, efficient strains are identified to suit to given soil and climatic conditions. Such
strains have to be mass multiplied in laboratory and distributed to farmers. They are
packed in carrier materials like talc, peat, lignite powder in such a way that they will have
efficient life.

Company profile

Biocyte agro research center attempts its serious efforts to provide an alternative
solution to the inorganic chemical and pollution filled agriculture in India. The company

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has set up its laboratory and manufacturing unit in conjuction with a research and
development facility at palakkad, India.

Kanjikode, industrial area,10 km away from palakkad conjunction town of Kerala

state is the present location of the firm. Palakkad being one of the major agriculture
producers of the state, and the availability of raw materials at a cheaper rate. Kanjikode
Industrial Area is well developed in terms of infrastructure like power, water and road,
rail & air links. Nearest airport is 40 km away at Coimbatore and nearest seaport is 140
km away at Cochin. Cheaper labour is available in this area and proximity to Coimbatore
will help in procurement of machinery, chemicals and lab wares, thus making a low
production cost.

Activities of biocyte agro research center

a. Manufacturing biofertilizers and organic manures
b. Mushroom production unit
c. Turmeric production unit.

Objectives of the company

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 Use of best-in-class Microbial technology and support of a team of Agriculture
Scientists, ensures that their effort will meet the growing customer demands. Apart from
providing a reliable product to the customers in an affordable price and superior quality,
our attempt is to save the nature from the current threat of chemical fertilizers and
pesticides and its associated pollution. Continuing its constant endeavor to deliver the
best products, BARC is committed to make its .0contribution for conserving the nature
green.

Advantages of Bio-fertilizers
Biofertilizers enhance the nutrient availability to crop plants (by process like fixing
atmosphere N or dissolving P present in the soil); and also impart better health to plants
and soil thereby enhancing crop yields in a moderate way. It is a natural method without
any problems like salinity and alkalinity, soil erosion etc. in view of the priority for the
promotion of organic farming and reduction of chemical residues in the environment,
special focus has to be given for the production of bio-fertilizers.

Commercial prospects
The biofertilizers are mainly purchased by State Agriculture Departments and
distributed to the farmers at concessional rates. It is also purchased by farmers, planters
and farmers growing medicinal crops and fruits. In the context of increasing awareness
about the use of natural products and organic agriculture, these products will have good
scope. Further, the organically grown produces fetch higher prices both in domestic and
export markets.

It is estimated that the production of biofertilizers in the country by the existing units
is about 7500 – 9000 TPA. This is far below the potential requirement of 7.6 lakh TPA,
as estimated by the National Biofertilizer Development Centre (NBDC) Ghazizbad.

Biofertilizer Technology

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 The technology used for the production of biofertilizers and organic manure will be
indigenous and the scientific aspects of production are standardized by Agricultural
universities and research laboratories of GOI. Machineries and laboratory equipments are
available from various manufactures and are of BIS standards. Microbial cultures will be
procured from Universities and other Biocontrol laboratories. Regional cultures will
isolated from different soils and mass multiplied and distributed to the farmers.

Plant capacity
The proposed plant has a production capacity of 50 tons of biofertilizer and biocontrol
agents per year.

Product Description
1 Biocyte Tricho (Trichoderma)
2 Biocyte BioF (Pseudomonas)
3 Biocyte Azoto (Azotobacter)
4 Biocyte Spirillum (Azospirillum)
5 Biocyte Phospho (Phosphobacteria)
6 Biocyte Pithplus (Pleurotos sp)
7 Biocyte Brigade (Metarrizium)
8. Biocyte Biomix
9. Biocyte Nutri+ (Bioenriched Coirpith Compost)
10. Biocyte PC (Coir pith compost)

FUNCTIONAL DEPARTMENTS

• PRODUCTION DEPARMENT

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 • MARKETING DEPARTMENT
• HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT
• FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Production department
In production department the process is described. Main aim of production department
is reduce the cost of production with high quality finished goods.

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Process description
The pure mother cultures of various strains are being maintained in Agriculture
Universities, IARI, some ICAR institutions, Regional biofertilizer labs etc. The mother
culture in test tubes of desired strain can be purchased from the identified sources. They
have to be further sub-cultured and maintained purely for mass production by adopting
standard techniques under the supervision of trained microbiologist.

In the next stage the culture has to be mass multiplied in shaker flasks and then in
fermenter. The important factor in this is the preparation of growing medium in which the
culture is mass multiplied. After 3-4 days fermentation period, the broth will be ready for
packing in a carrier material, after sterilizing in an autoclave. It is then packed in
polythene bags of desired quantity and sold.

Purchase department is one of the most important department. The main function of
purchase department is to collect the raw materials Talc, Peat humus, Charchol, Lignite
and other biological agents and growth promoters are the ingredients. All materials are
commercially available in the market. We propose to purchase the raw materials from
local chemical suppliers and the cultures from universities.

Other function of the department includes minimizing the cost of purchase and time.

Marketing department
They propose to target potential farmers and agri-business centers in India by direct
marketing initially. In the next stage our products can be sold to State govt. schemes,
which are supplied to the farmers at a subsidized rate. Our associate in Malaysia, Africa

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and Hungary is exploring possible market. Since many countries are now banning the use
of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, there will be a global market for our products,
provided we have international certification. We target to export 50% of our production
initially.

Human resource department

The main aim of human resource department is to maintain staff.

Retirement benefits are given to the personnels.

In this company there are 18 workers including the senior officers. There are 6
workers in production department, 4 workers in marketing department, 3 lab technicians
and 1 senior assistant with 2 other assistants and 2 helpers.

Finance department
Undertakes all financial activities like managing the fund resources and contacting all
bankers, financiered etc.

Working capital facilities have been renewed by the company’s bankers.

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Total estimate for starting a small biofertilizers production unit is shown below:

Total estimate for starting a small biofertilizer production unit

(Production capacity: 50 tons/year)
Investment
S1. No. Particulars Amount
A. Partners Investment 1,25,000
B. Bank Loan towards working capital 1,75,000
Sub total (A) 3,00,000

S1. No. Particulars Amount

A. Expenditure
a. Equipment and apparatus 35,000
b. Recurring contingencies 85,000
c. Working capital 1,30,000
d. Administrative expenses 15,000
e. Interest on loan/depreciation 20,000
f. Lease amount 15,000
Sub total (A) 3,00,000

Expenditure details

S. No. Particulars Number Amount

a. Equipment and apparatus
1. Shaker 1 10,000
2. Laminar flow chamber 1 5000
3. Autoclave 1 4000

4. Microscope 1 6000
5. Physical balance 1 5000
6. Balance for packing 1 1000

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7. Sealing machine 1 1500
8. Trays (Plastic) 10 500
9. Plastic cans 20 2000

Sub total (a) 35,000

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S. Particulars Number Amount
No.
b. Recurring contingencies
1. Salary for staff and labourers 75,000
2. Traveling expenses 10,000
Sub total (b) 85,000
c. Working capital
1. Cost of mother culture 10,000
2. Purchase of glasswares 20,000
3. Purchase of chemicals 20,000
4. Polythene bags (Packing) 25,000
5. Carrier materials for 10 tonne 30,000
6. Miscellaneous expenditure 10,000
7. Advertising expenses 15,000
Sub total © 1,30,000
Grand Total (a + b + c) 2,50,000

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Mushroom Production Unit
Biocyte research center has introduced a new product Biocyte Mushrooms, a
superior quality Oyster and Milky mushrooms produced hygienically and scientifically.
Well furnished Microbiology laboratory of the firm provides the seeds for the mushroom
production.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms belong to a separate group of organisms called fungi. Some are edible
and they lack the visual green matter. They absorb the nutrition through the mycelium.
The market for mushrooms continues to grow due to interest in their culinary, nutritional,
and health benefits. They also show potential for use in waste management.

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Production Mushroom
Mushroom production is completely different from growing green plants.
Mushrooms do not contain chlorophyll and therefore depend on other plant material (the
“substrate”) for their food. The part of the organism that we see and call a mushroom is
really just the fruiting body. Unseen is the mycelium—tiny threads that grow throughout
the substrate and collect nutrients by breaking down the organic material. This is the
main body of the mushroom. Generally, each mushroom species prefers a particular
growing medium although some species can grow on a wide range of materials.
The mushrooms produced are again converted into two products. One is dried
mushrooms. The mushrooms are dried in driers to make them moisture free. This
increases the life up to two months under normal conditions. They are equipped with
state of art drying technology to serve the purpose.
The next product is Mushroom powder. The dried mushroom is made into fine
powders which is a new product in market. They are also equipped with the state of art
Pulvarisation technology. It has high market demand too. It is used in curries, sausages,
masalas, soups etc.

Biocyte Oyster Mushrooms

Biocyte Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus species) are easier to grow than many of the
other species, and they can be grown on a large scale. Although commonly grown on
sterile straw from wheat or rice, they will also grow on a wide variety of high-cellulose
waste materials. Some of these materials do not require sterilization, only pasteurization.
Another advantage of growing oyster mushrooms is that a high percentage of the
substrate converts to fruiting bodies, increasing the potential profitability. Oyster
mushrooms can become an integral part of a sustainable agriculture system.

Many types of organic wastes from crop production or the food processing industry can
be used to support oyster mushroom production.

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Biocyte Milky Mushrooms
Our other product is Milky mushrooms. This mushroom is umbrella shaped and
resembles button mushroom. The sporphores are robusts, attractive and milky white in
colour. The method of production is slightly different from that of Oyster mushroom.

Quality
Biocyte Agro Research Centre ensures its finest quality of Mushrooms. Their
scientific strength includes qualified PhD degree holders and Microbiologists, ensuring
least contamination of the final product. Each packet undergoes quality and quantity
check to ensure their best produce. All the mushrooms are produced hygienically in
closed rooms where temperature and moisture are controlled.

Transportation and storage

The final product can be transported by refrigerated parcel service providers so that
the mushrooms will not decay due to the high temperature inside. Mushroom shelf life is
reduced dramatically by using containers that do not allow rapid cooling. Also, frost-free
refrigerators tend to dry mushrooms excessively. It is important that the mushrooms be
stored at 10 degrees.

Marketing
The products will be marketed to M/s Patil Exports Mushrooms, Belgaum. They
have agreed to buy our products @ 50 Rs/Kg. It can also be supplied to local market at
even better price.
Turmeric Production Unit
The project aims at cultivation of 6 acre (4 Tonnes of Rhizomes) of high quality
export oriented varieties of turmeric rhizomes. Turmeric (Curcuma longa), the ancient
and sacred spice of India is a major spice produced and exported from India. Turmeric is
used as condiment, dye and cosmetic in addition to its use in religious ceremonies. India

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is the leading producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. The plants will
be raised and will be harvested, stored and transported using appropriate technology.

Product
It is proposed to cultivate turmeric, which is a spice. The curcumin extracted from
the root of turmeric is a medicinal supplement and also has various uses in dying and
cosmetic industry.

Materials
Quality planting materials is obtained from local dealers.The new variety of turmeric
Prathiba is a high yielding and has more curcumin content Subsequent multiplication of
the material can be done in the farm itself.

Production Unit

While preparing the land, minimum tillage operations may be adopted. Beds of 15 cm
height, 1 m width and of convenient length may be prepared giving at least 50 cm
spacing between beds. Solarisation of such beds is beneficial in checking the
multiplication of pests and diseases causing organisms. The polythene sheets used for soil
solarisation should be kept away safely after the work is completed.
At the time of planting apply 25 g powdered neem cake and mix well with the soil in
each pit taken at a spacing of 20-25 cm within and between rows. Seed rhizomes may be

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put in shallow pits and covered with well rotten cattle manure or compost mixed with
Trichoderma (10 gm compost inoculated with Tricoderma). Turmeric can be planted
during April-May with the receipt of pre monsoon showers.

Cultural Practices

Mulching the turmeric beds with green leaves is an essential operation to

enhance germination of seed rhizomes and to prevent washing off of soil due to heavy
rain. This also helps to add organic matter to the soil and conserve moisture during the
later part of the cropping season. Judicious mix of leguminous leaves with high nitrogen
content and leaves rich in Phosphorous like acalypha weed and leaves rich in Potassium
like Calatropis can be used according to availability. The first mulching is to be done at
the time of planting with green leaves @ 10-12 tons per ha. It is to be repeated again @ 5
tons/ha at 50th day after planting. Cow dung slurry may be poured on the bed after each
mulching to enhance microbial activity and nutrient availability. Weeding may be carried
out depending on the intensity of weed growth. Such materials may be used for mulching.
Proper drainage channels are to be provided in the inter rows to drain off stagnant water.

Manuring
Application of well rotten cow dung or own compost from own form @ 5-6 t/ha
may be made as a basal dose while planting rhizomes in the pits. In addition, application
of neem cake @ 2 tons/ ha is also desirable.

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Plant protection

Pests
Regular field surveillance and adoption of phytosanitary measures are required for
pest management. If shoot borer incidence is noticed, such shoots may be cut open and
pick out larvae and destroy them. Spray neem oil 0.5% at fortnightly intervals if
necessary.

Diseases
No major disease is noticed in the crop. Leaf spot and leaf blotch can be controlled
by restricted use of Bordeaux mixture 1%. Application of Trichoderma at the time of
planting can check the incidence of rhizome rot.

Harvest
Turmeric is to be harvested at correct maturity. Depending upon the variety, the
crop is ready for harvest.
Usually the land is ploughed and the rhizomes are gathered by land packing or the
clumps are carefully lifted with a spade. Harvested rhizomes are cleared of mud and other
extraneous matter adhering to them. The average yield per hectare comes to 20-25 ton of
green turmeric.

Fingers are separated from mother rhizomes. Mother rhizomes are usually kept as
seed material. The fresh turmeric is cured for obtained dry turmeric. Curing involve
boiling of rhizomes in fresh water and the drying in the sun.

Marketing
They are having a by back arrangement with m/s Sami labs of Bangalore and m/s
herbal India cases, Bangalore. They have agreed to buy their product at prevailing market
rate. Hence there is no difficult in selling the products.

Viability

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 Our product will be cost and quality competitive in the market. However, the
growing awareness among the people and farmers to adopt organic farming will help us
in selling the products easily. As per the calculations the production cost is Rs. 25/Kg,
and the market price of the products are 50% more.
Considering the above facts, it is evident that these projects have a very good
payback and market exist and are likely to grow and technology is already proven. This
project also provides future expansion.

Conclusion
The institutional training done by me as a part of the curriculum has been of great
importance to me and my forthcoming future. This training undergone at BIOCYTE
AGRO RESEARCH CENTER was a valuable visit and has given me practical
knowledge about the functioning of various departments in the organization. It has also
enabled me to understand the practical implementation of various methods, policies,
procedures, and the other aspects of the management in the organization.

It gave me immense knowledge about how a company is formed, what are the general
requirements for that, how it is functioning efficiently and effectively towards achieving
its short term as well as long term objectives etc.

Also I came to know that the computerization and coordination of various sections
has greatly contributed to the efficient performance of the organization. I understood that
the staff and employees of BIOCYTE AGRO RESEARCH CENTER acts as their
backbone and keenly help the company to bring up their overall performance to the top.

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