As climate change challenges traditional farming practices, the agricultural sector is looking towards innovative agrochemicals as the beacon of sustainable cultivation. Research institutions and agricultural universities in India are actively involved in research and development activities related to eco-friendly agrochemicals. This includes the study of natural enemies of pests, development of resistant crop varieties, and the formulation of environmentally friendly pesticides. However, the broader collaboration between academia and industry has been somewhat missing.

In this context, the leading industry experts discussed the latest trends and way forward at the first session, ‘Innovative agrochemicals: Partnering Innovation for supporting the growth of Make in India’ of AgroChem Summit 2023 organized by the Indian Chemical News in New Delhi on December 15, 2023. The session was moderated by Raju Kapoor, Director-Public & Industry Affairs, FMC India.

Raju Kapoor listed the key factors critical for expansion of industry. "India is the second largest exporter of agrochemicals and the market is growing at double digit numbers. The focus must be growing more from less, being environmentally responsible, and respecting global intellectual property. The key for disruption includes data led digital precision agriculture that could help overcome geo political implications and challenges around input use efficiency. The innovation of new molecules, use of drone technology and biotechnology are critical with need for developing a premium on innovation. The regulatory system needs to be in the driver’s seat, sharing the responsibility of tackling pest resistance challenges.”

Anuja Kadian, Government & Industry Affairs Director (Asia Pacific), Corteva Agriscience said, “Most of the agrochemical multinationals have deeply invested in India. The question is whether India will choose between being a low cost manufacturing base or value added destination? For the innovation ecosystem, risk capital is a primary factor and there is a need for public private partnership. Multi-stakeholder strategy could do wonders and the government could be a part of it as well. The extent of commercialization will determine the amount of risk capital in the country. There is research happening in the universities but now the burden of innovation must shift from industry.  There is a need for a joint R&D centres.” 

Dr Brijesh Tripathi, Deputy Director (Chemistry), Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) and Central Insecticides Laboratory (CIL) spoke about the enforcement of stringent rules to curb the menace of duplicate agrochemicals. "After we launched the new registration site, we noticed that out of 9,000 previously registered entries, only 2,500 have compiled with the new set of guidelines. Consequently, the permissions to those who haven't complied have been frozen and they can’t sell agrochemicals anymore. We are always ready to accommodate the fresh concerns of the industry and going forward, we are planning to have a separate queue for the new molecules registration to bring down pendency."

Dr Mohana Krshna Reddy Mudiam, Director, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology said, “Nine formulations have been developed at IPFT. Efforts on synthetic pesticides are ongoing. IPFT wants a comprehensive role. We want to establish an agrochemical ecology with varieties of pesticide formulations. In terms of skilling, we are launching an MSc program despite limited resources. It is a multi-disciplinary course for pesticides. We will also launch a PhD program soon after approval for ministry and the availability of funds.”

Research only can give you leadership, says Dr Rajesh Chandra, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad. To diversify the agrochemical portfolio,he calls for the two pronged strategy. “One is improving existing agrochemicals and second is innovating new molecules. Newer and complex agrochemical molecules such as pure enantiomers could be a great solution. Knowledge and science will be the differentiator. Breaking barriers is a must to build trust and therefore, industry and academia have to work together.”

Dr Rupak Paul, Deputy General Manager-Formulation, Rallis India Ltd who thinks of differentiated chemicals as an alternative to lack of availability of new molecules. “While we are developing new molecules, we have to go through the same tedious regulatory process and data submission that we had to undergo during registration of earlier molecules. The newer generation molecules need to be looked at differently by the regulators. In terms of integrating newer technologies, we are doing a lot of research on drones to check their effectiveness.”

As per Dr Kamlesh Pai Fondekar, Head-Research & Development, Godrej Agrovet Ltd, the three factors are important. “One is eradication and reduction of residue; secondly rewards for farmers with economic viability and benefits; and third is respect to soil with the right products. Manufacturing the chemicals in the right way and delivering it at the right time makes a lot of difference. Similarly, semiochemicals or pheromones will play an important role in Integrated Pest Management (IPM).”

The AgroChem Summit 2023 themed, ‘Boosting Production Through Sustainable Agriculture Practices’, witnessed attendance by stalwarts and other stakeholders from the agrochemical sector across India.

The Summit was supported by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

Gold partners of the summit were Godrej Agrovet Ltd., SML Ltd., and Somaiya Vidyavihar University.

Industry association supporting AgroChem Summit 2023 included Agro Chem Federation of India (ACFI); Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI); Crop Life India (CLI); Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PFFAI); and Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI).