In a landmark breakthrough for India's agricultural research and agrochemical industry, PI Industries has unveiled Pioxaniliprole, the country's first indigenously discovered insecticide molecule, following more than a decade of research, scientific investment and innovation.

 

The discovery marks a significant step forward in India's ability to develop original crop-protection technologies and create proprietary intellectual property, reducing its dependence on externally developed scientific innovations.

 

The Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has granted registration to Pioxaniliprole, formally recognising it as the first insecticide active ingredient discovered in India.

 

The milestone is the culmination of PI Industries' sustained efforts to build indigenous research capabilities and develop a molecule that meets global scientific standards while addressing the complexities of Indian agriculture.

 

With one of the world's largest and most diverse agricultural ecosystems, India faces a constantly evolving range of pest challenges across crops and agro-climatic zones. PI said its eight-decade-long engagement with farmers, agricultural universities and scientists has helped build a deep understanding of these challenges.

 

Pioxaniliprole brings together this extensive agricultural experience with the company's advanced scientific discovery capabilities. The molecule has undergone extensive evaluation under Indian farming conditions, including multilocation field trials, scientific assessments and regulatory studies, with participation from the country's agricultural research ecosystem, including State Agricultural Universities.

 

Commenting on the breakthrough, Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of PI Industries Ltd, said "More than a decade ago, we set out to build the capability to discover original crop-protection in India. It required the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, substantial long-term investment and the conviction to pursue what had never been achieved before.

 

"Today, Pioxaniliprole demonstrates what is possible when our deep understanding of Indian agriculture meets world-class science. It is a proud moment for PI and for Indian agricultural innovation. This achievement strengthens our ambition to build a global, innovation-led Life Sciences company, creating original science and intellectual property from India for the world.”

 

The discovery also highlights PI Industries' investments in an integrated research and development ecosystem covering molecular discovery, chemistry, biology, formulation science, toxicology, agronomy, process development and manufacturing.

 

With Pioxaniliprole, PI Industries has added a landmark achievement to India's agricultural science landscape, demonstrating the country's growing potential to move beyond adapting existing technologies to discovering and developing original scientific innovations for global markets.