ICSCE 2025 Delhi Draws Global Agrochemical Leaders, Recognises Industry Excellence at PMFAI Awards

17 June 2025, New Delhi: The 22nd International Crop Science Conference & Exhibition (ICSCE 2025), organized by the Pesticides Manufacturers and Formulators Association of India (PMFAI), concluded on a high note after a two-day event on 10th and 11th June 2025 at Hotel Pullman-Novotel, New Delhi Aerocity. Alongside, PMFAI hosted its prestigious Annual Awards to honour distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to India’s agri-inputs sector.

A Platform of Global Relevance

The event was inaugurated with a keynote address by Mr. Pradip Dave, President, PMFAI, who reflected on the growth of ICSCE since its inception in 1997 and emphasized its pivotal role in connecting stakeholders across agrochemicals, agri-biologicals, and allied sectors. This year, 126 top companies showcased their innovations to over 1100 delegates, including significant international participation.

In his inaugural remarks, Mr. Dave highlighted the urgent need to boost global food production amid rising population pressures, underscoring the essential role of crop protection chemicals in enhancing farm productivity. He also spotlighted the expanding role of agri-biologicals in India’s agricultural future.

The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman of SML Limited and CCFI, who lauded the government’s support and emphasized the industry’s growing focus on research and innovation.

Thought Leadership and Innovation in Focus

The conference featured high-impact sessions led by industry veterans and experts, covering regulatory frameworks, sustainability, innovation, and the rise of biologicals. Highlights included:

• Dr. A. Kuppusamy (NACL Industries Ltd) on navigating regulatory challenges in India and abroad.
• Ms. Komal Shah Bhukhanwala (SML Ltd) on green chemistry in formulations.
• Mr. R.K. Goyal (Verdesian Life Sciences) on the high costs—and high rewards—of innovation and sustainability.
• Dr. K.R.K. Reddy (Sri BioAesthetics Pvt. Ltd) on integrating biologicals into mainstream portfolios.
• Mr. Saurabh Jain (HSBC) on strategic investments in the agri-input space.
• Mr. Jitendra Mohan (Willowood India Ltd) on evolving agchem in response to MRL and nutrition challenges.
• Ms. Pooja Vishnoi (AUXILIFE Scientific Services) on EU registration strategies for Indian exporters.

Sessions also covered advanced technologies in formulation (NETZSCH, Momentive, Stepan Asia), supply chain dynamics, and global trade outlooks.

PMFAI Awards Celebrate Industry Champions

Coinciding with ICSCE 2025, PMFAI hosted its Annual Agchem Awards, honoring individuals for their excellence and leadership. The Chief Guest, Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, President of Bharatiya Krishak Samaj and Member of the Government of India’s High-Level Committee on Agricultural Issues, delivered a powerful address focused on defending Indian farmers and agrochemical industries against misinformed criticism.

Dr. Chaudhary criticized the widespread yet unfounded narrative accusing Indian farmers of excessive pesticide use. Citing government data, he noted that only 1.81% of 1.75 lakh pesticide samples tested were substandard—debunking allegations that nearly half the pesticides in India are fake. He called out international lobby groups and NGOs for spreading such misinformation, urging strong countermeasures and official inquiries.

He also spoke against efforts to ban generic pesticide molecules and raised concerns about appointing non-experts to lead pesticide review panels. Dr. Chaudhary praised India’s rising export performance—nearly ₹50,000 crore—under the “Make in India” initiative, and emphasized the critical role of the domestic agrochemical industry in achieving national food and economic security.

Award Winners

Over 1100 attendees joined the celebration as the following individuals were honoured:

1. Ms. Shilpa Uchil, Hemani Industries Ltd – Women Contributor in Agrochemical Industry
2. Mr. Abhijit Bose, Tagros Chemicals – Emerging Leader in Agri Inputs Sector
3. Mr. Arvind Kumar, Bhagiradha Chemicals – Leader of the Year
4. Mr. Amit Talsera, Meghmani Organics – Leader in International Business
5. Mr. Pradeep Ghattu, Excel Industries – Leader in Allied Industry Segment
6. Dr. Venkatesh Devanur, AgriLife India – Special Award for AgriBio Sector
7. Mr. Praveen Dubey, NACL Industries – Leader in Institutional Business
8. Mr. Anil Nirwal, Saffire Crop Science – Leader in Brand Business
9. Mr. V. Gopalakrishnan, Sumitomo Chemicals India – Leader in Supply Chain Management
10. Dr. A. Kuppusamy, NACL Industries – Regulatory Compliance Person of the Year
11. Mr. Anil Kakkar, Sumitomo Chemicals India – Life Time Achievement Award

A Message of Empowerment

In his closing remarks, Dr. Chaudhary reaffirmed the need for collaboration between the Agri-input industry and policymakers to strengthen farmer education, improve regulatory frameworks, and protect India’s global standing in agriculture. He also acknowledged the Indian government’s welfare initiatives, such as free food ration distribution to 80 crore citizens, as unparalleled global benchmarks in food security.

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