While conducting doctoral and post-doctoral research at the Council in the UK, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and Oregon State University in the USA, molecular biologist M. Chidambarasaran kept asking himself, “How can my findings benefit the ordinary farmers in my homeland?” Through Kebayo Innovations — a science and technology venture started in his hometown of Perinthalmanna in Malappuram — he has found the answer to that question.
Joining Chidambarasaran in this endeavor is his wife, Dr. Kethaki Mahajan, a biotechnology researcher. Together, they are turning years of global research into a homegrown solution that could transform soil health for Indian farmers.
🌱 The Birth of Kebayo Innovations
This venture began in March of last year and prepared its first product before completing even one year of operation. The prototype of this product — called the Kebayo Biopellet — was presented at the prestigious Bio-Connect 3.0 event held in Thiruvananthapuram last October.
Chidambarasaran confirmed that this product, for which a provisional patent has already been obtained, is designed to enrich the soil in ways that conventional fertilizers simply cannot match. What makes it further remarkable is its versatility — specially designed forms are available for both complete and partial organic farming, and tailored for different crops.
They have prepared special biopellets for crops including:
- 🌾 Paddy
- 🍅 Tomato
- 🌶️ Pepper
- ☕ Coffee
- 🥥 Coconut
- 🌿 Other major crops
🔬 How Kebayo Biopellets Work
No one would argue that microorganisms control the health of the soil and crops. Their diversity determines the quality of the soil. While many existing solutions improve soil quality by adding beneficial microorganisms, Chidambarasaran emphasizes what makes biopellets different:
💬 “Biopellets not only deposit microbes but also create an environment for them to grow and multiply.” — M. Chidambarasaran, Founder, Kebayo Innovations
Kebayo Biopellets can simultaneously function as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, and planting medium — three critical roles in a single product. They will reach the market as soon as the official quality tests are completed.
Improves Soil Structure
Restructures soil at a fundamental level to support better crop growth.
Boosts Microbial Diversity
Increases diversity of beneficial microorganisms within the soil.
Promotes Microbial Networks
Supports biological structure including vital microbial networks.
Increases Nutrient Availability
Helps make essential nutrients more accessible to plants.
Long-Term Carbon Availability
Raises carbon availability in the soil for an extended period.
Suppresses Harmful Microbes
Helps beneficial microorganisms dominate the root zone of crops.
⚠️ Note: This product has no acidity, making it equally suitable for open fields, polyhouses, and terrace grow-bag cultivation.
🏆 Recognition, Support & Bigger Vision
The efforts to commercially produce carbon-rich biopellets have earned recognition and support from some of India’s most respected bodies:
Startup India
Kerala Startup Mission
MSME
IIT Palakkad
Entrepreneur in Residence
The preliminary steps to obtain a patent for the basic technology behind the biopellets have been completed. Alongside this, Kebayo is also conducting research on carbon presence in the soil.
💡 Future Vision: Chidambarasaran hopes that by improving the level of carbon in the soil using biopellets, he can help farmers earn carbon credits in the years to come — turning soil health into a financial benefit for the farming community.
The lab startup has been set up adjacent to their house in Perinthalmanna. This couple aims to develop products including biopesticides using bioformulation, molecular biology, and biotechnology for future agricultural supervision.
👨👦 Where Research Meets Entrepreneurial Heritage
Chidambarasaran shared that it was his father, Madhavan, who first introduced the concept of ‘instant palada’ and brought it to the market. Madhavan is an early entrepreneur from Perinthalmanna and the founder of the famous ‘Ambika Palada’ in Malabar.
Chidambarasaran is now demonstrating that when research principles and entrepreneurial heritage come together, it can create products and services that genuinely benefit farmers. Guided by Kebayo Innovations, this couple from Perinthalmanna is showing that world-class science can be rooted in local purpose.
📞 Contact Kebayo Innovations: 9446440673
❓ FAQ
What is Kebayo Biopellet and how does it work?
Kebayo Biopellet is a soil-enriching product developed by Kebayo Innovations that functions simultaneously as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, and planting medium. Unlike conventional bio-inputs, it not only deposits beneficial microorganisms into the soil but also creates an environment for those microbes to grow and multiply, improving overall soil health and crop productivity.
Which crops are Kebayo Biopellets suitable for?
Kebayo has developed crop-specific biopellets for major crops including paddy, tomato, pepper, coffee, and coconut. They are also available for other crops, with specially designed formulations for both complete and partial organic farming systems, making them versatile for a wide range of agricultural needs.
Can Kebayo Biopellets be used in polyhouses and terrace gardens?
Yes. Since Kebayo Biopellets have no acidity, they are equally suitable for open fields, polyhouses, and terrace grow-bag cultivation. This makes them a flexible choice for both traditional farmers and urban or hobby growers looking to improve soil quality in varied growing environments.
Has Kebayo Biopellet received any official recognition or patent?
Yes. A provisional patent has been obtained for the Kebayo Biopellet, and preliminary steps to secure a full patent for the core technology are completed. The venture has also received support and recognition from Startup India, Kerala Startup Mission, MSME, and is receiving mentorship under the Entrepreneur in Residence scheme at IIT Palakkad.
How can biopellets help farmers earn carbon credits?
Kebayo Biopellets are designed to raise long-term carbon availability in the soil. As interest in carbon sequestration grows globally, Chidambarasaran envisions that by improving soil carbon levels using biopellets, farmers could qualify to earn carbon credits — turning better soil management into a future financial incentive for Indian farmers.
Who are the founders of Kebayo Innovations?
Kebayo Innovations was founded by M. Chidambarasaran, a molecular biologist who conducted research at the Council in the UK, the Max Planck Institute in Germany, and Oregon State University in the USA, and his wife Dr. Kethaki Mahajan, a biotechnology researcher. Their startup is based in Perinthalmanna, Malappuram, Kerala.
When will Kebayo Biopellets be commercially available?
Kebayo Biopellets will be launched commercially once the official quality tests are completed. The prototype was already presented at Bio-Connect 3.0 in Thiruvananthapuram in October, and the venture is actively working toward a full market launch with the support of Startup India and Kerala Startup Mission.
