"CDMOs can play a significant and evolving role in the growth of the agrochemical industry in India"

Insecticides (India) Ltd is India's leading and one of the top ten Indian agrochemicals manufacturing companies. IIL has emerged as a front-line performer in India's crop care market with a top line of Rs 1192 crore in 2018-2019. In 2022, it launched its innovative biological product for improving the health of the soil called Kayakalp, the soil energiser which has received an overwhelming response. The company has state-of-the-art formulation facilities at Chopanki (Rajasthan), Samba & Udhampur (Jammu & Kashmir) and Dahej (Gujarat). IIL also has two technical synthesis plants at Chopanki and Dahej to manufacture technical grade chemicals providing the competitive edge by backward integration. Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India) Limited shares his views on the status of the agrochemical industry in India with AgroSpectrum. Edited excerpts:

- Dipti Barve

How is Insecticides (India) contributing to the growth of the agrochemical sector in India?

Insecticides India (IIL) places a strong emphasis on the research and development of new crop protection and nutrition products both chemical and biological solutions. Our commitment to innovation is exemplified through four distinct R&D centers, each dedicated to different specialized areas. These centres boast state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by qualified and experienced scientists. We firmly believe that investing in today's research and development will secure a brighter future, positioning IIL at the forefront of the industry in the long term.

The pioneering Chopanki R&D centre, established in 2004, stands as a testament to our dedication which is now a GLP certified lab. This centre features a meticulously designed instrument and process laboratory that has gained international recognition among R&D professionals.

Our biologicals R&D centre specialises in the isolation and detection of beneficial microorganisms. Notable achievements include the development and commercialisation of VAM (Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) and products like kayakalp & KK Pro, Soil Energiser.