Insecticides India and Japan's OAT Agrio open agrochemical R&D centre in Rajasthan

The New Delhi-based Insecticides India Ltd (IIL) and Japanese company OAT Agrio Co Ltd have operationalised their new research and development (R&D) facility at Chopanki, Rajasthan today. Spread across 25,000 sq ft working area, the state-of-the art R&D centre of the JV company, OAT & IIL India Laboratories Pvt Ltd, will bring scientists of India and Japan under one roof to research and invent 2-3 agrochemical molecules to control pests, weeds, and diseases affecting important crops like soybean, cotton, wheat and rice across globe in next 3 years.
 
IIL had entered into a joint venture with Otsuka Agritechno Co Ltd, now OAT Agrio Co Ltd, for research and development of new agrochemical molecules in 2013. Situated adjacent to Insecticides India’s Bhiwadi plant and set up at an investment of Rs 40 crores, the facility employs about 42 employees including chemists and biologists to synthesise and evaluate about 7, 000 compounds every year.
 
“It is momentous to see the operationalisation of the facility. This is the first time that we have set up this kind of facility outside Japan which makes it all the more glorious for us. The coming together of the two companies has set the ball rolling for discovery of new molecules that will be beneficial for important crops like soybean, cotton, and wheat and rice world over. We are aiming to apply for 10 basic patents in the next three years and discover 2-3 new molecules,” said Akihei Mori, President & CEO, OAT Agrio Co Ltd.
 
“Indian companies shy away from Research, as it is costly, risky and has long gestation period. This centre is one of its kinds where the research and invention of altogether new agrochemical molecules will be done for first time in India. I am sure that joining hands with OAT Agrio for this noble cause will really be able to make difference to farming community in India,” said Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides India Ltd.   
 
While globally, there are 1055 agrochemical molecules, India has just 250 agrochemical molecules, so there is a vast scope of developing technology in the country.
 
“I am sure that this will help the Indian farmers to get the benefit of the latest technology at the most reasonable prices. To mark this golden day, we also propose a Crop Care Day, that will be observed by Insecticides (India) and the company will work towards the awareness among the farmers,” added Aggarwal.   
 
“India is distinct country in terms of the variety of soil conditions and the different climates it has across states. The examination and gauging of results of new molecules on different soil and climates become easy here. Being evenly spread across the country, IIL has an edge. With the operationalisation of the JV facility, we look forward to achieving results that will prove fruitful for farmers across globe,” said Dr Tetsuya Imai, MD & CEO, OAT and IIL India Laboratories Pvt Ltd.