AGROCHEMICALS over a longer period, minimising repeat applications.
Rainfast technology helps preserve efficacy even during unexpected showers— a key advantage for rain-fed areas. Importantly, lowresidue product formulations are being prioritised to meet both domestic and export-oriented food safety standards.
Biotech-enabled crop resilience
With increasing climatic volatility, stress-tolerant solutions are essential. Agrotechnology products targeting abiotic stress— such as drought, heat and salinity— help plants maintain productivity under suboptimal conditions. Crop varieties bred for short stature, such as dwarf corn hybrids, are better equipped to withstand wind lodging and uneven rainfall.
These innovations, combined with adaptive crop protection protocols, create a resilient farming system that can cope with a wider range of weather scenarios. Further, genetically modified crops like Bt cotton and herbicide-tolerant maize
– are playing a pivotal role in reducing pest and weed pressure.
These innovations lower the frequency and volume of sprays required, thus improving costefficiency and reducing ecological impact. Continued investment in biotechnology will be crucial to expanding this approach to other major crops, especially those vulnerable to frequent pest outbreaks.
Digital advisory for farmer empowerment
Technology is also transforming the last-mile delivery of agronomic advice. Farmer-focused digital platforms are a great source of timely, accessible and contextual support. 2 Not only can they offer real-time crop protection guidance to farmers, and multiple regional language options to overcome language barriers, but also improve decision-making and crop yields.
Additionally, these digital interfaces bridge critical knowledge gaps, particularly among smallholders, and empower them to make informed decisions about pest control, disease management and agrochemical usage. They also keep farmers connected across the agrotechnology industry via conference calling and AI assistance.
While industry-driven innovation is crucial, it must be supported by government policy and institutional mechanisms. Initiatives like targeted subsidies for sustainable crop protection, enhanced warehousing infrastructure and improved Minimum Support Price procurement systems are essential to drive widespread adoption. 3
Outlook
Agrochemical innovations today go beyond traditional chemical interventions – they serve as strategic enablers of productivity, sustainability, and farmer prosperity. By leveraging science, data, and ecosystem partnerships, Indian agriculture can be empowered to realise its full potential.
The focus is on developing smart, safe, scalable crop protection solutions that balance the needs of farmers, consumers, and the environment. The goal – a sustainable and prosperous agricultural ecosystem – lies well within reach with collective efforts and a commitment to transformative advances. ●
Shreya Singh
SENIOR EXECUTIVE
GODREJ INDUSTRIES
J j shreya. singh @ godrejinds. com www. godrejagrovet. com
References: 1: A. Duddela, A. Sri Jissa, V. V. Rao & P. G. Ma, Journal of Scientific Research & Reports, September 2024, 30( 9), 457 – 463. 2: Farmonaut, Revolutionising Northeast Indian Agriculture: Farmonaut and Godrej Agrovet’ s Precision Farming Partnership. https:// farmonaut. com / news / revolutionizing-northeast-indian-agriculture-farmonaut-and-godrej-agrovets-precision-farming-partnership / 3: Press Information Bureau( PIB), Government of India. https:// pib. gov. in / PressNoteDetailsNoteId = 151901 & ModuleId = 3 & reg = 3 & lang = 1
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