Bontera – We Serve the Soil
In this exclusive interview with Biz Tech Outlook, we sit down with the leaders of Bontera BioAg, one of the 10 Best Admired Companies to Watch 2025. Discover how their innovative microbial technologies are transforming agriculture, enhancing crop productivity, and ensuring sustainability for the future. From global expansion to cutting-edge R&D, learn how Bontera is paving the way for a greener and more efficient agricultural industry.
Can you provide a brief overview of Bontera BioAg, its history, and its mission?
Bontera BioAg is dedicated to revolutionizing agriculture and safeguarding the environment through innovative microbial technologies. Founded with a passion for improving the quality of our food supply and farmland, we focus on creating sustainable solutions for future generations. Our mission is to transform agricultural practices by leveraging naturally occurring soil microbes renowned for their exceptional performance and functionality. By integrating science and nature, Bontera provides farmers with advanced tools to boost productivity while protecting the ecosystem, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future.
What are the key industries or sectors that Bontera primarily serves?
Bontera primarily serves the agriculture industry, providing innovative solutions to enhance crop productivity and sustainability. Our cutting-edge microbial technologies are designed to meet the unique needs of farmers, supporting efficient and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Could you elaborate on the technologies or methodologies that underpin your solutions?
Bontera BioAg’s innovative solutions are rooted in advanced microbial technologies, functioning similarly to probiotics for soil health. Just as gut probiotics are essential for human health, our products restore and maintain a balanced community of soil microbes around the plant root system. These beneficial microbes play a crucial role in enhancing nutrient uptake, improving soil structure, and promoting plant resilience.
Our methodology focuses on selecting naturally occurring microbial strains with superior performance to boost soil fertility and plant health. By enriching the microbial ecosystem, we help farmers achieve higher crop yields and improved food quality in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. This approach not only enhances soil quality but also ensures long-term agricultural productivity. Bontera’s commitment to combining scientific precision with environmental stewardship enables us to support farmers in meeting global food demands while protecting natural resources.
What milestones or achievements has Bontera reached in recent years?
Over the past decade, Bontera BioAg has transformed from a promising idea into a thriving business with a growing international presence. We have successfully expanded our operations across the United States and established a foothold in key global markets, including Mexico, Turkey, and South Africa. This strategic growth underscores our commitment to bringing sustainable agricultural solutions to farmers worldwide. Looking ahead, we are set to further our global reach with new distribution channels in Peru and Chile planned for 2025. These milestones reflect our dedication to innovation and our ability to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly and effective agricultural technologies.
How does Bontera foster a culture of innovation and teamwork within its organization?
Our dedicated Research and Development (R&D) team continually explores cutting-edge technologies to enhance crop health and yield while prioritizing the protection of essential resources like soil and water. By focusing on sustainability, our innovations are designed not only to meet current agricultural challenges but also to contribute to long-term environmental stewardship.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of our approach. We work closely with growers and distributors worldwide, engaging in open dialogue to understand their specific needs and challenges. This hands-on interaction allows us to tailor our sustainable solutions to diverse agricultural practices and regions effectively.
Internally, we cultivate teamwork by encouraging knowledge sharing across departments and fostering a collaborative work environment. Our team’s commitment to shared goals drives creativity and ensures that innovative ideas can flourish, enabling Bontera to deliver impactful solutions that align with the evolving needs of global agriculture. Through this synergy of innovation and teamwork, we are continuously advancing towards a more sustainable and productive future for farmers and the planet.
“The soil once teemed with microbes that supported crop and soil health. But long-term chemical-based agriculture has degraded these vital microbes – along with our food, water, and soil. Bontera focuses on providing alternatives that restore and protect the very resources growers depend on.”
– Dr. Syed H. Imam, PhD, Vice President of R&D, Bontera
Are there any upcoming projects, partnerships, or innovations you would like to highlight?
Bontera, has several exciting developments on the horizon that reflect our commitment to innovation and global growth. Our Research and Development team is currently focused on sustained release technologies for microbials in the soil. This cutting-edge project aims to enhance the efficiency and longevity of microbial applications, ensuring consistent support for soil health and crop productivity. By optimizing how microbes interact with the soil, we aim to deliver even greater benefits to farmers in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.
Additionally, we are thrilled about our upcoming expansion into Peru and Chile, set for 2025. These new distribution channels will mark a significant milestone for the Bontera brand as we continue to extend our reach into key international markets. These initiatives showcase our dedication to advancing agricultural practices and supporting farmers globally.
Who are the key leaders at Bontera, and what are their contributions to its success?
Mr. Iqbal Kalla studied business in South Africa, where he then worked in his family’s cosmetics company, which was started over 50 years ago. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1995 to run the U.S. cosmetics division of the family business and has lived in the United States ever since. He founded Bontera BioAg in 2014 and serves as CEO.
Dr. Syed Imam, is leading the charge of developing microbial based novel and innovative products for use in crop production. With over 35 years of research experience, he is internationally recognized for his scientific achievements and stature. He has authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, 18 patents, and served as editor for three books. He has served various international organizations such as UNIDO, UNDP and TWAS and received many prestigious awards for his research work. He currently serves as Bontera’s VP of R&D.
Dr. Farooq Azam has a PhD in Soil Biology and Biochemistry. For the past 40+ years, he has been involved in R&D for sustainable organic agriculture through improving soil health and soil-plant interactions. He has special interest in the development of products using beneficial microbes and other natural materials for enhanced farm productivity and environmentally friendly waste management/disposal. He currently serves as Bontera’s Director of Product Development.
“Bontera BioAg’s innovative solutions are rooted in advanced microbial technologies, functioning similarly to probiotics for soil health.”
“Our products restore and maintain a balanced community of soil microbes around the plant root system.”
“We aim to deliver even greater benefits to farmers in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly manner.”
Company Name : Bontera BioAg
Website : https://www.bontera.com/
Management Team
Iqbal Kalla | CEO
Dr.Syed H.Imam,PhD |Vice President of R&D
Dr. Farooq Azam,PhD | Director of Product Development and COO
