IFFCO-MC recently celebrated 11 years of operations. Having seen the company grow from 16 products to a national leader, how do you define the "next decade" of growth for IFFCO-MC?

The journey of IFFCO-MC over the last eleven years has been a remarkable example of what can be achieved when global expertise is combined with a deep understanding of Indian agriculture. What started in 2015 with a portfolio of 16 products has today evolved into a trusted crop science company offering more than 85 products across insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, plant growth regulators and biological solutions, serving farmers across multiple states of India.

As we look toward the next decade, our vision extends beyond business growth. We aim to become a comprehensive crop solutions partner for Indian farmers by integrating advanced technologies, sustainable agricultural practices and innovative crop protection solutions. The strength of the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) & Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation’s partnership lies in the unique combination of IFFCO’s extensive grassroots reach and farmer connect, along with Mitsubishi Corporation’s global expertise, technological capabilities and international perspective.

At the heart of this growth strategy remains our commitment to farmers. Success for us will not be measured solely by market share or revenue, but by the value we create for farming communities. We envision IFFCO-MC playing a larger role in enhancing farm productivity, improving crop quality, supporting export-oriented agriculture and contributing to the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture.

The next decade, therefore, is not merely about scaling operations, it is about transforming agriculture through innovation, trust and partnership, while remaining firmly rooted in the needs of Indian farmers.

IFFCO-MC is often recognized for its farmer-first approach. What would you consider the three biggest differentiators that set the company apart in the Indian crop protection industry?

At IFFCO-MC, our business philosophy has always been centered around creating genuine value for farmers. While the crop protection industry is highly competitive, we believe three key differentiators have helped us earn the trust of farming communities across India.

Kisan Suraksha Bima Yojana (KSBY): Protecting Farmers Beyond Agriculture

One of our most unique initiatives is the Kisan Suraksha Bima Yojana (KSBY), under which farmers purchasing IFFCO-MC products receive Free Accidental Insurance Coverage. Agriculture is inherently exposed to various risks, and through this initiative, we aim to provide an additional layer of security and peace of mind to farming families. It reflects our commitment to supporting farmers not just as customers, but as partners in progress.

Genuine Quality Products at Reasonable Prices

We strongly believe that farmers deserve access to high-quality crop protection solutions without having to pay an unreasonable premium. Every product in our portfolio undergoes stringent quality control processes to ensure consistent field performance and reliability. At the same time, our pricing philosophy focuses on affordability, enabling farmers to maximize productivity and profitability without compromising on quality.

Fixed MRP Policy Across India

Transparency and fairness are fundamental to our business model. Unlike market practices where prices may vary across regions, IFFCO-MC follows a Single-Tier Distribution Model & Fixed MRP Policy, ensuring that farmers receive products at the same maximum retail price across the country. This eliminates pricing disparities, promotes trust within the distribution channel and reinforces our commitment to fair business practices. Beyond these differentiators, we strongly believe that knowledge is as important as quality inputs.

Through regular farmer training programmes, product demonstrations, van campaigns and extensive field activities, our teams actively educate farmers on scientific crop management and best agricultural practices. This continuous engagement enables them to make informed decisions and adopt the right technologies, while improving their productivity and profitability.

Biologicals are rapidly emerging as the future of sustainable agriculture. How do you see IFFCOMC’s product portfolio contributing to this transformation?

At IFFCO-MC, we believe the future of agriculture depends on balancing enhanced crop productivity with longterm soil health and environmental stewardship. With this vision, we introduced ZenNexa, our dedicated agri-biologicals platform, representing a strategic milestone in our journey towards sustainable agriculture.

ZenNexa has been developed as a dedicated platform for next-generation agri-biological solutions by IFFCOMC, bringing together science-backed biological technologies designed to improve absorption from the soil, promote beneficial soil microbial activity, support stronger root systems and enhance crop tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Under the ZenNexa range of products, we aim to provide farmers with sustainable solutions that complement modern crop management practices while improving overall farm performance.

ZenNexa will play an important role in empowering farmers with environmentally responsible technologies that drive productivity, profitability and long-term agricultural sustainability. We see biologicals becoming a growth driver for Indian agriculture, and ZenNexa is our contribution towards enabling that transformation.

With the shift from volume-driven to value-driven agriculture, what new high-value crop categories or integrated crop care solutions is R&D team prioritizing for 2026?

The future of Indian agriculture will increasingly focus on quality, sustainability, and profitability. Our efforts are directed towards integrated crop solutions for all field crops where growers seek higher returns per acre. We are also strengthening our portfolio in biologicals, specialty crop nutrition, plant health management, and advanced crop protection technologies. The objective is to provide holistic solutions that improve yield, quality, and market acceptance while supporting sustainable farming practices.

IFFCO-MC recorded its highest revenue in FY2025–26. With a 13% growth over the last year, what specific product segments are driving this steady growth and do you see a path to doubling this turnover by 2030?

FY 2025–26 has been a landmark year for IFFCO-MC, as we achieved our highest-ever revenue, reflecting the growing trust of farmers, channel partners, and other stakeholders in our products and services. This growth has been driven by a balanced portfolio comprising herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators and, increasingly, biological solutions segment.

Over the past few years, we have focused on introducing differentiated products that address specific crop challenges while delivering consistent performance in the field. At the same time, our ZenNexa range of biological solutions is emerging as a promising growth driver as farmers increasingly adopt sustainable farming practices. Beyond products, our extensive distribution network, farmer engagement initiatives, and technical advisory services have played a crucial role in strengthening market penetration and customer confidence.

Looking ahead, we see a clear pathway to significantly scale our business by 2030. This growth will be driven by continuous portfolio expansion, greater focus on specialty and biological products, deeper market penetration and the introduction of innovative crop solutions tailored to the evolving needs of Indian agriculture. More importantly, our growth strategy is not centred solely on revenue expansion. Our objective is to create greater value for farmers by enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability. If we continue to execute this vision effectively, we remain confident about achieving our long-term growth aspirations and establishing IFFCO-MC among the leading crop science companies in the country.

As a joint venture backed by one of India's largest cooperative organizations, how does IFFCO-MC convert its strong rural presence into a competitive advantage in the crop protection market?

The greatest strength of IFFCO-MC lies in combining the trust and reach of the cooperative ecosystem with the agility and innovation required in the crop protection industry. Our access to a vast network of cooperatives, rural institutions, and farmer communities allows us to engage directly with growers and understand their evolving needs. However, market share is ultimately earned through product performance, service quality, and farmer confidence. Therefore, while the distribution network provides reach, our growth is driven by the value we deliver on the ground.

With the surge in prices of global pesticides due to geopolitical conflicts, how is IFFCOMC protecting its margins while staying true to its “fair pricing” commitment to farmers?

Volatility in global supply chain has become a recurring challenge for the industry. Our strategy focuses on prudent sourcing, supply chain optimization, inventory planning, and operational efficiency improvements. At the same time, we remain committed to ensuring that farmers continue to receive high-quality solutions at reasonable prices. Balancing affordability and business sustainability requires continuous innovation in procurement and operations, and that remains a key management priority.

How do IFFCO-MC’s CSR initiatives contribute to the long-term sustainability and development of the agricultural ecosystem beyond crop protection products?

Agriculture thrives when rural communities thrive. Access to healthcare, clean water, education, and basic social infrastructure directly impacts the well-being and productivity of farming families. Our CSR initiatives are guided by the belief that sustainable agriculture cannot be achieved through products alone. By contributing to community development and rural welfare, we help strengthen the broader ecosystem that supports agricultural growth. These investments create long-term social value while reinforcing our commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development.