BASF opens R&D centre for agrochemicals in India

World's largest chemical firm BASF today opened a research and development centre for agrochemicals at Pune, its first in the country, at an estimated investment of Rs 64 crore.
"The new research and development (R&D) centre will contribute to tailor-made solutions for India's agriculture. We will partner with the farmers and work with them. The team in India will work towards development of new active ingredients, new formulations and technologies," BASF Crop Protection division President Markus Heldt told PTI.
In addition to conducting research in areas of global agricultural interest, the R&D centre will also investigate scenarios that are unique to India, Heldt added.

Sharing details of the centre, South Asia Head and BASF India Chairman Raman Ramachandran said this is the first research and development centre in India and the investment on the project will be about Rs 64 crore.
"The centre will investigate scenarios that are unique to India. These include challenges such as India's specific weeds and pests, as well as climate stresses, like drought, flood cycles and heat stress," Ramachandran added.
He also said that the centre aims to help farmers make better decisions and improve productivity during the entire cultivation cycle.