How has the Crop Protection Business of Godrej Agrovet Ltd. performed so far in FY2024-25? 

The Crop Protection Business delivered modest growth in FY 2024-25, despite challenges like erratic monsoons and shifts in farmer sentiment. Strong pricing gains, particularly in the vegetable segment, drove top line growth, though overall performance fell short of internal projections. Profitability remained resilient, supported by a favorable product mix and strategic initiatives such as targeted customer programs and enhanced channel engagement. As we close the fiscal year, we expect continued momentum in herbicides and differentiated offerings, particularly in cotton and horticulture. These efforts position us for accelerated growth in FY 2025-26. 

What’s your outlook for the coming year? 

The coming year looks promising, driven by early forecasts of a normal monsoon and favorable commodity trends, particularly in cotton. We anticipate strong growth in cotton, seed production, and new crop segments like maize and rice, supported by stable sowing patterns and improved farmer confidence. The launch of Ashitaka, our innovative maize herbicide, will be a key milestone, enhancing our portfolio in expanding maize cultivation regions. With a focus on innovation, channel efficiency, and sustainable solutions, we aim to deliver improved performance and create long-term value in FY 2025-26. 

Are new products mainly chemical-based, or is there a mix of chemical and biological solutions? 

Our product pipeline focuses on chemical-based solutions, offering reliable and broad-spectrum crop protection. However, we are increasingly investing in sustainable options, combining the strengths of chemical and biological technologies. Through our partnership with Provivi, we are co-developing residue-free Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions. These efforts are expected to grow our biological offerings, particularly in high-value and export-sensitive crops, aligning with global sustainability standards. 

Can you elaborate on your drone-based pest control solutions and Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? 

Our IPM strategy integrates chemical and biological solutions, cultural practices, and precision technologies to reduce reliance on broad-spectrum sprays. Collaborations with innovation-driven partners are helping us develop holistic solutions for crops like rice and corn, with early trials showing promising results. In drone-based applications, we are focusing on precision pest control for crops like cotton, maize, and paddy. These initiatives ensure efficient product usage, reduced labor dependency, and better coverage, enhancing crop health while supporting sustainable practices. 

What will be the cost of these new products? 

Pricing for our upcoming IPM solutions will depend on field trial results and regulatory validations. Designed to complement conventional products, these solutions aim to reduce chemical sprays, lower input costs, and enhance crop health. Our focus remains on affordability and scalability to ensure accessibility for both large and smallholder farmers. These solutions will balance innovation and cost-efficiency, improving farm profitability and environmental sustainability. 

Which crops are your biological products targeting? 

Our biological solutions currently focus on rice and corn, two of India’s most widely cultivated crops. For rice, we aim to reduce chemical dependency while maintaining high pest control efficacy, benefiting residue-sensitive markets. In corn, we target pests like fall armyworm, integrating these solutions into IPM frameworks to support ecological balance and long-term soil health. Field trials for both crops are in advanced stages, with early results indicating cost-effective, environmentally friendly solutions. 

How are digital platforms enhancing farmer training? 

Our platforms like Hello Godrej and Digi News provide real-time advisory, training, and awareness tools. To date, Digi News has trained over six lakh farmers with easy-to-understand content on crop management and sustainable practices. We are set to launch the Sankalp app, which will serve as a one-stop platform for product information, order placements, and loyalty programs, deepening engagement with farmers and retailers. These initiatives empower farmers with knowledge and tools to boost productivity and adopt sustainable farming practices. 

How is satellite data being integrated into these platforms? 

Satellite data integration enhances our digital platforms with real-time, location-specific crop insights. This supports precision recommendations for pest management, irrigation, and nutrient application, mitigating risks tied to weather variability. Additionally, satellite-based tools track acreage, crop stress, and harvest progress, offering better pricing forecasts and demand planning. These insights promote efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion across the agri-value chain. 

What is your company’s role in the pesticide industry? 

Godrej Agrovet is a significant player in India’s pesticide industry, offering a diverse portfolio of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators. Our subsidiary, Astec LifeSciences, strengthens our B2B presence with its expertise in contract development and manufacturing, supplying globally recognized agrochemical solutions. Through international collaborations, we bring advanced technologies to Indian farmers while expanding our footprint in export markets. Our vision is to combine domestic leadership with global competitiveness, driven by innovation and sustainability. 

What unique value does your company offer to multinational partners, especially Japanese firms? 

Godrej Agrovet offers an end-to-end partnership model, spanning product development, regulatory support, and commercialization. With strong brand equity, a robust distribution network, and advanced R&D capabilities, we enable rapid market entry and localized adaptation for international agrochemical companies. Collaborations with Japanese firms have resulted in differentiated crop protection products for Indian farmers, and we continue to explore alliances to bring innovative, sustainable solutions to both domestic and global markets. 

Can you outline your distribution strategy in India? 

Our distribution network, built over 27 years, includes 9,000+ distributors and 30,000+ retailers, ensuring timely product availability across India. The Godrej Sankalp program digitizes supply chain operations, enhancing transparency and efficiency. Regional strategies and digital platforms like Hello Godrej strengthen farmer trust and improve product adoption. Looking ahead, we aim to further integrate data-driven insights and build a farmer-centric retail ecosystem. 

How do you combat counterfeit products?

To protect product integrity, we use QR-coded packaging for traceability, enabling instant verification. A dedicated task force identifies counterfeit activities and collaborates with authorities to eliminate them. Awareness campaigns and training for farmers and channel partners further ensure only authentic solutions reach the market, safeguarding farmer livelihoods and trust. 

How is Godrej Agrovet expanding its market presence? 

Our expansion strategy focuses on innovation, global collaborations, and digital transformation. With a robust R&D pipeline and collaborations with global leaders, we bring advanced, localized solutions to farmers. Digital platforms like Digi News and Sankalp enhance engagement and accessibility, while targeted regional strategies support penetration into new crop segments like maize, rice, and horticulture. By focusing on sustainability and cost-effective solutions, we aim to transform Indian agriculture into a more resilient and efficient ecosystem. 

Have there been any recent changes in distribution strategies? 

We have enhanced our distribution model with digital tools like the Godrej Sankalp platform, improving supply chain transparency and efficiency. Tailored regional strategies and data-driven insights help channel partners optimize stocking and respond to seasonal demand. These changes make distribution a strategic enabler of growth and farmer connectivity. 

What role does in-licensing model play in your growth? 

The in-licensing model enables us to rapidly expand our portfolio with innovative technologies from global partners. It complements our R&D efforts, diversifying our pipeline with high-value products that address emerging pest challenges. Strong partnerships with global innovators ensure successful localization and adoption of these solutions, reducing R&D risks and accelerating timelines. 

How do you balance patented and off-patent products? 

Our portfolio combines patented innovations and off-patent products to deliver cost-effective, comprehensive solutions. Patented molecules address critical pest challenges, while off-patent products provide affordability and scalability in price-sensitive markets. This balance ensures adaptability to market needs and supports sustainable agricultural practices. 

What’s the long-term vision for agrochemical division? 

We aim to become one of India’s top 10 agrochemical companies within five years, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and farmer-centric solutions. Digital platforms, global collaborations, and advanced R&D will drive our growth, while sustainability initiatives like IPM and biological products will enhance resilience and environmental stewardship. 

How does CSR fit into your strategy? 

Our CSR initiatives align with sustainability and rural empowerment, promoting pollination programs, IPM education, and climate-smart farming. By enhancing livelihoods and resilience, we foster inclusive growth while contributing to the well-being of farming communities. 

How does Godrej engage with local communities? 

We empower farmers with knowledge and tools to adopt sustainable practices through initiatives like Hello Godrej and Digi News. Our focus includes soil health, biological alternatives, and innovative methods like drone-based crop protection. Collaborations with farmer organizations and NGOs ensure alignment with broader rural development goals, building lasting relationships with local communities. 

What’s your outlook on India’s agrochemical market? 

India’s agrochemical market is poised for significant growth, driven by evolving farming practices and the demand for food security. Key crops like cotton, rice, and maize offer opportunities for advanced and sustainable solutions. With low per-acre pesticide use, there is room for innovation and growth, supported by digital advancements and improved infrastructure. This positions India as a critical player in global agriculture.