N. K. Rajavelu, CEO of the Crop Protection business at Godrej Agrovet, looks at how innovations in agrochemicals are addressing gaps in India ' s agricultural productivity
Innovations close the gap
N. K. Rajavelu, CEO of the Crop Protection business at Godrej Agrovet, looks at how innovations in agrochemicals are addressing gaps in India ' s agricultural productivity
India’ s agriculture sector is at a critical juncture. Despite being one of the world’ s leading producers of staples like rice, wheat and pulses, it continues to grapple with challenges that prevent it from realising its full productivity potential.
Challenges such as erratic weather patterns, shifting pest dynamics and declining soil health have introduced unprecedented uncertainties for farmers. This highlights the urgent need for transformative innovations in agrochemicals to enhance yield quality and quantity while reducing agriculture’ s environmental footprint.
Although India ranks among the top global crop producers, per-hectare yields often lag global averages. While the current yield is marginally higher than global competitors, there is still a long way to go. A key contributor to the gap is pest-related crop loss. In 2024, there was an estimated 17 % pest-related crop loss in rice, wheat, maize, pulses and sugarcane, to name a few. 1
The traditional farming model is increasingly challenged by issues such as pest resistance, soil fatigue and environmental concerns. Moreover, small and marginal farmers – who constitute more than 80 % of India’ s farming community – are particularly vulnerable to these inefficiencies.
Warmer temperatures and erratic rainfall have made previously safe zones prone to new pest infestations. Crops are being attacked earlier and more frequently, leaving farmers with fewer safe windows for protection. The lack of access to data-driven solutions, limited awareness around integrated pest management( IPM) and minimal exposure to modern agrochemical innovations only exacerbates the situation.
However, recent advances in agrochemicals and associated technologies offer a multi-pronged strategy that prioritises innovation, accessibility and sustainability. These are considered in order below.
Smarter crop protection through advanced chemistry & climate-resilient solutions
R & D efforts are now creating nextgeneration pesticides and herbicides tailored to India’ s diverse crop and climatic needs. These molecules are developed with enhanced safety profiles, for both human health and the environment.
In parallel, biopesticides derived from botanical extracts and microbial strains offer precision control with minimal collateral damage to beneficial organisms. Biorational solutions, including insect growth regulators, semiochemicals and anti-feedants, are enabling integrated pest management strategies that reduce chemical load while preserving efficacy.
In response to increasing climatic volatility, agrotech innovations are also addressing abiotic stressors. Products that support plant growth during drought, heat or salinity stress help maintain productivity under adverse conditions. Additionally, the breeding of short-stature crop varieties— such as dwarf corn hybrids— provides physical resilience against lodging and unseasonal weather.
Precision technologies & smart formulations to boost efficiency
Digital agriculture platforms now allow real-time tracking of soil conditions, crop health, and micro-climatic data. AI-powered analytics apply the right quantity of agrochemicals at the right time, reducing both wastage and inefficiency.
Robotic weeders, smart sprayers and drone-based applications are also gaining momentum, particularly in large-scale operations, offering labour efficiency and uniformity in application. At the formulation level, innovations like controlledrelease mechanisms ensure that agrochemicals remain active
40 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981