The 20th International Crop Science Conference & Exhibition (ICSCE 2024 Delhi) organized by Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) took place on 2nd & 3rd September 2024 at Andaz Hotel, Aerocity, New Delhi. PMFAI is the largest national association representing Indian Agrochemical industries with 221 small, medium and large-scale companies as its members from all over the country.
Inauguration of ICSCE 2024
The two days’ event made an auspicious beginning with warm welcome address by PMFAI President Mr. Pradip Dave on 2nd September morning. ICSCE is an international trade platform for Agrochemicals, Agri Biological and allied products industry, to develop strategic and sourcing relationships with international companies and to get updated on current trends in Agrochemical, Agri Biological and allied industry market. ICSCE is also an annual international event organized by PMFAI to improve the health of Generic Pesticide Industry and to bring the researchers in the field of agriculture, pesticide manufacturers, agrochemical traders, agricultural biological industries and allied industries under one roof.
After the first event organised in 1997 in Mumbai, India, ICSCE has come a long way to achieve the recognition as premier Agri Inputs event connecting the world of Agrochemicals, Agri biological and Agriculture sector. In 1997 when PMFAI organised first ICSCE, the export of Agrochemicals from India was Rs.270 crores, which now reached to nearly Rs.50,000 crores. ICSCE provided opportunity for business expansion by way of joint ventures, bilateral trade, sub-contracting / contract manufacturing and distribution and networking opportunities for buyers and sellers to benefit mutually. ICSCE 2024 Delhi witnessed tremendous response with active participation of delegates from across the globe.
Eighty two leading companies showcased their product portfolios during the two days of ICSCE 2024 Delhi. With over 1000 plus registered delegates’ participation, the event was a great success.
Delegates from countries all over the world including – Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, France, Germany, Ghana, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, Rwanda, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, USA, UAE and Uganda participated in the event.
Welcome Address by PMFAI President Mr. Pradip Dave
In his Inaugural Address Mr. Pradip Dave, President, PMFAI mentioned about the ever growing global population and the need for raising overall food production with India playing vital role in this effort. Role of crop protection products becomes more vital when the aim is to increase agriculture and horticultural production to feed growing million. Mr. Dave highlighted the role of PMFAI and ICSCE in the development of Indian Agrochemical sector and exports from India.
Dr. J.P. Singh, Plant Protection Adviser to Govt. of India, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in his address remarked that the sector has made significant contributions to the food security and rural livelihoods. Dr. Singh mentioned that we have transitioned from being food deficient to food efficient, now exporting food grains to other nations. Since 1998, exports Agrochemicals have surged from Rs.270 crores to Rs.50,000 crores. Dr. Singh also mentioned that the Department is compiling list to develop effective modes of action for missing label claims, which will help safeguard farmers’ crops against pests and diseases. While there are 335 agrochemical molecules registered, we currently have only 50 bilogicals. Investment in R&D is vital for diversifying and enhancing biological solutions, steering us towards sustainable future.
Dr. Archana Sinha, Secretary, CIB&RC and Joint Director, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in her address mentioned that India has 335 registered molecules in the Agrochemical sector. The industry has seen remarkable growth with exports witnessing increase from Rs.270 crores in 1997 to Rs. 50,000 crores today. Regulators are encouraging exports of Pesticides and the Ministry is addressing the crop grouping concept to assist the industry with label claims. Raising awareness among farmers about off-label pesticide use and promoting judicious handling of crop protection products will protect crops and environment. Dr. Archana Sinha mentioned that this event will enhance knowledge about the global agrochemical market and facilitate connections between buyers and sellers.
Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Limited & Chairman, CCFI delivered Vote of thanks. In his address, Mr. Shah also mentioned that India has emerged as the second largest exporter of Agrochemicals worldwide and thanked for the support from Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The industry is increasingly focused on research and the Research and Innovations are no longer confined to the west.
The event hosted renowned pesticide scientists and industry experts, who gave presentations on various important topics during the two days of the event, brief details of which are as given below:
Asia Pacific Agrochemical Market – Scope, Challenges and Trends: Mr. Abhijit Bose, Chief Marketing Officer, Tagros Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd.
Future of Seed Market and Seed enhancement to adapt climate stress: Mr. Raghavan Sampathkumpar, Federation of Seed Industry of India
Nouryon Innovation Toolbox: Dr. Ferry Hermawanto, R&D, Specialising in surfactant chemistry for Agriculture, Nouryon
Novel Polymeric Dispersants for Aqueous Dispeersions: Mr. Shrikant Aherkar, Lead Scientist, Stepan Company – Asia Pacific
Emerging Opportunities and Future scope for Biological Segment from India: Mr. Manoj AM, Senior Manager, Regulatory & Product Development – T Stanes & Co. Ltd.
Panel Discussion: Indian Biologicals - Opportunities and Challenges
Panelists:
Dr. Markendya of ATGC, Hyderabad.
Sandeepa Kanitkar of Kan Biosys, Pune.
Mr. Pradeep Jaipuria of PJ Margo, Banglaore
Mr. P. Laxminarayan Rau AgBio, Hyderabad
Dr. John Peter of Varshaa Biosciences, Hyderabad
Microbe intensive integrated pest management [M-IPM] for improving farm profits: Ms. Sandeepa Kanitkar, Chairperson and Managing Director, Kan biosys Pvt. Ltd.
Insightful journey of IPFT in Pesticide Formulation Research: Past, Present and Future Perspective: Dr. M. K. Reddy Mudiam, Director, IPFT
Opportunities and challenges of Micronutrient Industry: Dr. Rahul Mirchandani, Chairman, IMMA and MD Aries Agro Limited.
Cultivating the Future- road ahead for the Indian Agrochemicals Industry: Mr. Ajay Joshi, Chemical Sector Expert, AJC
Panel Discussion: Indian Agrochemicals Industry Current Scenario and Way forward
Panelists:
Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman, SML Limited
Mr. Rajesh Agarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides India Ltd.
Mr. Atul Churiwal, Managing Director, Krishi Rasayan Exports Pvt. Ltd.
Mr. Parikshit Mundra, Managing Director, Willowood Chemicals Ltd.
Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, COO Bharat Rasayan Ltd.
Above presentations and Panel Discussions greatly helped participants in gaining knowledge about the market, trends and technologies in Global Agrochemicals; Agri biologicals and emerging trends in Agri Inputs business. With greater participation by key players in Global Agrochemical & Ag Bio protection product market, the participants appreciated the event.
PMFAI Awards in recognition of individual Excellence in Agri Inputs Sector in India
Coinciding with ICSCE 2024 Delhi, PMFAI organised Special Awards to honour individuals in Indian Agri Inputs sector, in recognition of Excellence in different area of work, thereby contributing to the growth of Indian Agri Inputs sector.
The above awards function was attended by over 1000 persons. Given below are names of Award recipients with their respective area of excellence.
1) PMFAI Awards for Excellence as ″Women Contributor in Agrochemicals sector″: Ms. Komal Shah Bhukhanwala, Director, SML Limited;
2) PMFAI Awards for Excellence in ″Sales & International Marketing″: Mr. N.P. Nair, Vice President – International Marketing & Sales, Gharda Chemicals Ltd.;
3) PMFAI Awards for Excellence in ″Supply Chain Management in Agri Inputs″: Mr. Ashwani Mahajan, Vice President, Rallis India Ltd.;
4) PMFAI Awards for ″Emerging Leader in Agri Inputs Sector″: Mr. Abhishek Aggarwal, President & Chief Operation Officer (COO), Bharat Rasayan Ltd.
5) PMFAI Awards for Excellence in ″Regulatory Compliance in Agrochemical Sector″: Dr. Ajit Kumar, Principal Technical Advisor, UPL Limited.
The Award Function was followed by entertainment program, cocktails and dinner reception.