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About My Achievements
Profile of Dr. S. Jayashree, PhD.
Full Name: Jayashree Subramanian
Professional Title: Dr.
Organization: BioVersion Agri Services
Location: Coimbatore and Chennai
I’m Jayashree Subramanian, a Scientist in Environmental Science, specialized in Microbiology based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. My current position is the Founder & CEO, BioVersion Agri Services and CEO of Kiana Agriculture, the Netherlands, focusing on healthier soil and healthy human life. My Research on
Vetiver has resonated with others and earned accolades.
Signature Projects:
1. My project entitled “ Mitigation of landslide in Nilgiris District using a grass Chrysopogan zizanioides and a novel method for the upliftment of Tribal Women Folk” funded by the then State Government, Tamil Nadu, and was published in the Hindu.
2. My another project which was funded by the then State Government, Tamil Nadu, entitled “ Tribal women folk on technology transfer‐ leaves of Vetiveria zizanioides an alternate substrate for the cultivation of edible mushroom” was one of the game changer among the tribal women in the Niligiris District.
Awards and Achievements:
I have received a few awards in my Academic and Research career.
1. Outstanding Researcher Award – Awarded by the Nehru Group of Institutions
2. Teaching Excellence Award – Biozone Research Technologies
Achievements:
1. Indian patent is granted for my research on Anti‐venom with Vetiver in the year 2024.
2. I published more than 35 Research papers in both the National and International Science Journals.
Notable ones are:
1. Determination of heavy metal removal of efficiency of Chrysopogan zizanioides (Vetiver) using contaminated textile waste water in the Journal of Environmental Science and Technology ‐ 4 (5), 543 – 551
2. Evaluation of Anti‐cancer activity of Vetiverial zizanioides against human breast cancer cell line in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6 , 164‐166.
3. Preliminary studies of invitro regeneration of Vetiverial zizanioides through meristem tip culture, in the Journal of Bioinnovation, 3 (4), 189 – 196
4. Production of Edible Mushroom Pleurotus florida using an alternate substrate, in the International Journal of Biotechnology and
Bioengineering Research 2 (1), 81–90
5. Anti‐termite properties of root and leaf powder of Vetiver grass, in the Journal of Environmental Biology 35 (1), 193‐196
6. INFLUENCE OF ROOTING MEDIA ON THE GROWTH OF Chrysopogon. zizanioides (L) Roberty Journal of Plant Nutrition 37 (7), 965‐978
Personal Information:
I am a Doctorate person in Environmental Microbiology & my Educational qualification includes M.Ed. & M.Phil.
I started my career as a school teacher, left the job to do full time PhD. Teaching and Research is my passion and it took me to the height of being my company Founder and CEO. I have been the Resource person/Chairperson/Invited Speaker for many National and International Conferences related to
Vetiver and my other areas of Research. For that, I visited Istanbul, Shanghai, Singapore, Malaysia and Nepal. I recently visited Dubai, for a business purpose.
I conducted workshop for farmers in association with C.M. Farm in Sivaganga District, and I connect farmers to organic farming by conducting awareness program, meeting them individually to convert them into organic farming.
I am a prestigious member in various Academic body/Society like Association of Microbiologists of India, The Vetiver Network International (TVNI), American Society of Microbiology, Live DNA, ORCID, The Indian Science Congress Association.
I am the Editorial Board member in the Journal of Environmental Biology and Reviewer for various
Science journals.
Media Snippets:
1. My recent interview in Conversations Today, July 2025, which is a monthly tabloid published by Manava Seva Dharma Samvardhani.
Please visit https://msdstrust.org
2. “Pasumai Vigadan” in 2008, interviewed me and our team on Vetiver.
3. “Makkal TV” interviewed me and our team during the year 2009 on Vetiver research.
4. “All India Radio”, Trivandrum interviewed me and our team during the International
Conference on Vetiver at Cochin in the year 2010.
Conversations Today
Journal about the world of NGOs and Social Enterprises
“I strongly believe that empowering women farmers can transform the agricultural landscape.”
Dr. Jayashree shares with Marie Banu her interest in agricultural research
Dr. S. Jayashree, PhD, is an environmental microbiologist and Founder & CEO of BioVersion Agri Services, with operations in Coimbatore and Chennai. As COO of Kiana Agriculture, Netherlands, she champions sustainable soil and human health. Renowned for her pioneering research on Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides), she has led transformative government-funded projects empowering tribal women in the Nilgiris through eco-based livelihood innovations. Her Indian patent on Vetiver’s anti-venom
properties was granted in 2024. With over 35 national and international publications, her research spans phytoremediation, anti-cancer and anti-termite studies, and alternative substrates for mushroom cultivation. Dr. Jayashree has received multiple accolades, including the Outstanding Researcher Award from Nehru Group of Institutions. A former teacher turned scientist-entrepreneur, she has represented India globally in conferences across Istanbul, Shanghai, Dubai, and more. She serves on academic boards and reviews for reputed journals, continuing her mission to blend science, sustainability, and social impact.
In an exclusive interview with Marie Banu, Jayashree shares her interest in agricultural research.
What initially inspired you to work in agriculture and related research?
I have always been passionate about life sciences. My journey began as a schoolteacher at Chinmaya Vidyalaya in Coimbatore, where I taught students from LKG to Plus Two for over 13 years. While teaching gave me immense satisfaction, I felt a constant urge to explore beyond the classroom and do something that could create a real impact. The turning point came when a student’s father, Professor Lakshman Paramahamsa Swami, visited one of our science exhibitions. Recognising my enthusiasm for science, he encouraged me to pursue higher research, particularly a PhD. I registered for a PhD in Environmental Science, specialising in Microbiology. During this phase, Professor Swami introduced me to the Vetiver plant, which became the focal point of my research due to its soil-restoring properties. This experience transformed me from a teacher into a researcher, giving me the confidence to innovate for agricultural development.
What led you to focus on Vetiver and its applications for farmers?
Vetiver fascinated me because of its ability to transform contaminated soil into rich, organic soil. While conducting soil analysis in the lab, I observed how the presence of Vetiver improved soil health and texture. I firmly believed that research shouldn’t remain confined to the lab—it must reach the land. This belief led me to conduct workshops for farmers in 2007. At that time, digital tools like WhatsApp didn’t exist, so we sent handwritten letters to invite farmers. We managed
to bring together around 60 farmers, and the workshop created significant awareness. One of the participants, Mr. Pandian from Sivaganga district, embraced Vetiver
cultivation and has since become a role model for other farmers. Seeing this impact convinced me that my research could make a real difference in the lives of farmers.
What inspired you to develop your eco-friendly agricultural product, the Eco-Box?
The Eco-Box idea was born unexpectedly during my collaboration with international scientists, Dr. Metin Turan from Turkey and Dr. Sanam from the Netherlands. We were conducting field trials for an organic fertilizer product in places like Gujarat and Ooty. While working with the potato farmers’ association in Ooty, I noticed heaps of discarded plastic nursery trays used for cabbage saplings. When I asked what they did with this plastic waste, they said they simply buried it in the ground. This struck me as a serious environmental issue. I discussed the problem with my friend and thought—why not design nursery trays and pots made from organic fertilizer? This way, the container itself would enrich the soil as it decomposes. We began experimenting and created small biodegradable cups using organic fertilizer and natural tree gum. The results were excellent, with the pots lasting for 60 to 90 days and supporting strong plant growth. We have filed a patent for this innovation. As the pot decomposes, it releases nutrients into the soil, enhancing plant growth and soil fertility. Farmers no longer need to worry about disposing of plastic trays, which often harm the environment. We’ve also developed two versions of the Eco-Box—one made with heat-press technology that lasts for up to six months, and another without heat-pressing for shorter durations. To commercialise the product and introduce other eco-friendly innovations, I have founded Bioversion Agri-Services. I believe there is a strong potential
demand once farmers realise the environmental and economic benefits of switching to biodegradable alternatives.
What challenges have you faced in your journey from research to entrepreneurship?
The biggest challenge has been bridging the gap between research and real-world application. During my PhD, we made many discoveries, but due to a lack of awareness about intellectual property, we missed patenting several innovations, such as floating technologies for water-based cultivation. I have learned the hard way that innovation alone is not enough; it must be protected and strategically marketed to have a wider impact. Another challenge is changing the mindset of farmers who are used to quick results through chemical fertilizers. Convincing them to adopt organic practices that take time but ensure long term benefits requires persistent effort.
How do you see the role of women in agriculture and agri-entrepreneurship?
Women have always been the backbone of agriculture, but their voices have often gone unheard. In Gujarat, I observed a refreshing change—women farmers were asking more questions and taking the lead in adopting new practices, especially organic fertilizers. They are naturally detail-oriented and more willing to experiment with sustainable techniques. I strongly believe that empowering women farmers can transform the agricultural landscape. Women entrepreneurs can introduce innovative products, create awareness, and build community-based farming networks
How can agriculture balance profit with ecological
sustainability?
The key lies in patience and understanding nature’s timelines. Today, many farmers expect faster yields, which pushes them toward heavy chemical usage. This not only harms the soil but also affects long-term productivity. Profit and sustainability can coexist if farmers see themselves as entrepreneurs. By cutting out middlemen and selling directly to consumers or niche markets, farmers can earn better margins while maintaining organic practices. Government support and collaborative research efforts
are crucial to creating farmer-friendly technologies that combine profitability with ecological balance.
What role will technology play in shaping the future
of agriculture?
Technology will be a game-changer. Drones, AI, and IoT devices are already transforming how farming is done, from precision spraying to monitoring soil health. At the recent Agri Intex in Coimbatore, I saw cutting edge machines that can drastically reduce labour and increase efficiency. When computer science innovations and biotechnology come together, India can move from being a follower to a leader in global agriculture. These technologies can also attract the younger generation, who are tech-savvy but often hesitant to enter traditional farming.
What is your vision for Bioversion Agri-Services?
My vision is to build a platform that combines research-driven innovations with sustainable farming solutions. We aim to promote eco-friendly products like the Eco-Box and bring international collaborations into the Indian agricultural ecosystem. I want Bioversion to become a bridge between scientists, farmers, and entrepreneurs—helping farmers transition to organic practices while ensuring that sustainable products reach mainstream markets.
What advice would you give to students interested in agriculture and life sciences?
My advice is to choose the right mentors and institutions, and to stay patient. Agriculture is not a quick-profit field, but it is deeply rewarding and can generate wealth if approached with an entrepreneurial mindset. The younger generation is often in a rush to earn, but agriculture requires a balance of passion, patience, and innovation. I also believe the government needs to give more recognition and structured career paths for agricultural researchers, similar to engineers and doctors. When I travel abroad, I feel respected as a scientist, but in India, the same level of recognition is often missing. We need to change this narrative and make agriculture a career of pride and innovation.
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