Girish Soman The Visionary Entrepreneur Transforming Agriculture and Ayurveda

In 1993, Girish Soman embarked on a mission to revolutionize agriculture by addressing the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. While he had worked for years in the pipeline manufacturing industry, Girish’s passion led him to establish Krushitek Pvt Ltd. in Satara, Maharashtra. His goal was clear: to provide organic agricultural solutions to farmers. Trained as a structural engineer, Girish had a unique perspective on the challenges facing farmers. He saw the harmful impact of chemical-based farming and recognized the potential of bio pesticides. Determined to make a difference, he delved into research and, in 1993, founded Krushitek Pvt Ltd. In its first year, the company achieved a turnover of Rs 7 lakh, reinforcing Girish’s belief in the path he had chosen. This early success motivated him to plan for expansion.

Nisarga Herbs: The Birth of a Herbal Revolution

In 2011, Girish established Nisarga Herbs, a subsidiary of Nisarga Biotech Pvt Ltd., to produce a wide range of CO2-extracted essential oils, oleoresins, and herbal extracts. This venture was born out of a desire to enhance the performance of biopesticides by incorporating oil extracts. Girish, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, initially sought collaboration with his alma mater to acquire the necessary technology for extracting oils from herbs. When this proved unsuccessful, he decided to develop the technology in-house. By 1999, he had not only mastered the extraction process but also infused the oils into organic fertilizers, resulting in impressive yields.

Exporting Ayurveda to the World:

The year 2001 marked a significant milestone as Nisarga Biotech began exporting herbal extracts for healthcare products and dietary supplements to the US and Europe. This success inspired the company to expand its product range and venture into the world of Ayurvedic supplements. Girish’s journey is marked by innovation. His company has filed six Indian and 12 international patents for its technology in the food supplement industry. Additionally, Nisarga Herbs boasts organic farms certified by Ecocert France.

Balancing Tradition and Technology:

Nisarga Herbs’ approach to herbal extraction sets it apart. Unlike many Ayurvedic companies that use raw herbs or water extracts, Nisarga employs a unique technology that captures both lipid-soluble and water-soluble compounds from herbs. This ensures consumers receive the full spectrum of active compounds without unnecessary starch or fibres. The company’s dedication to quality is evident in its extensive clinical trials. Nisarga Herbs conducted a head-to-head trial of Nartana Capsule on osteoarthritis, pitting it against diclofenac, a potent NSAID. The results were published in a peer-reviewed journal in the US.

As part of its expansion efforts, Nisarga Herbs launched NuAxon Bioscience in the US in 2010 and founded NuAxon Research Inc in 2018 in collaboration with UT Health, San Antonio, Texas. This partnership aims to sell and license cancer research drugs based on neem leaf extract.

A Pioneering Partnership amidst a Pandemic

Girish recently made history by collaborating with the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi to conduct a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of his COVID-19 formulation. The trial, taking place at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, focuses on 250 frontline medical and non-medical staff highly exposed to COVID-19 patients. Nisarga is the first Indian Ayurveda company to collaborate with AIIA on such research. While Girish acknowledges that being self-funded has presented growth challenges, he remains steadfast in his commitment to ethical practices. This commitment was crucial when gaining doctors’ trust, as many had encountered subpar Ayurvedic products in the past.

A Future Rooted in Prevention:

Nisarga Herbs is on a trajectory of consistent growth, with a 20 percent increase in sales and a 40 percent uptick in online sales over the last five years. Looking ahead, the brand plans to pivot toward the preventive health market by leveraging its expertise in Ayurvedic herbs and herbal nutrition for specific health conditions. The company already has a strong global presence, with business relations in the US, the UK, Germany, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and plans for expansion in South Korea. Additionally, Nisarga Herbs will expand its organic farms’ coverage from 30 to 50 acres to meet the rising demand for organic herbs.

As part of its continued growth, the brand will establish a new FSSAI-certified unit for food supplement products and explore opportunities for research product partnerships with national players. Girish Soman’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, ethical commitment, and a deep-rooted belief in the potential of Ayurveda to transform lives. Through Nisarga Herbs, he is paving the way for a healthier, more sustainable future.