Maktheshim plans to expand Indian pesticide market

Israel-based market leader in crop protection solutions, Maktheshim Agan India, is keen on expanding its business portfolio in Andhra Pradesh and is going to set up a Research and Development Wing in Hyderabad, according to Josef Goldschmidt, senior vice-president, MAI,

"Andhra Pradesh is the biggest market for pesticides in the country. We will also set up a formulations plant in the State to promote farmer-friendly insecticides in the State, Mr. Goldschmidt said here after launching ‘Agil, an anti-weed pesticide that can be used on cotton, chillies, black gram and other broad-leafed crops.

But he cautioned against using the pesticide on rice, maize and sugarcane which have excessive grassy growth.

He went on to say that the pesticide market was about Rs.7,000 crores in India, but that was expected to significantly increase in the years to come. India remains an attractive marketing hub with increasing consumption of quality food and life expectancy rates.

Indian farmers have also adapted themselves by opting for genetically modified BT varieties and reaping good harvest.

Ran Maidan, president & CEO, Asia Pacific Region, said that the companys products were available in more than 100 countries with a combined credit portfolio of $2.5 billion.

"We have the largest product portfolio with over 1,500 products across the world, he said.

The new insecticide, Agil, was launched amid much fanfare at a public meeting. More than 10,000 farmers from Krishna, Guntur and Prakasam districts took part in the meeting.