Crop Protection

Altair: A Precision Herbicide from Insecticides India for Effective Paddy Weed Management

11 July 2025, New Delhi: Insecticides India Limited  has introduced Altair, a highly effective and technologically advanced herbicide designed specifically for paddy cultivation. Altair addresses a critical gap in weed management by offering a long-lasting and multi-dimensional solution, while ensuring the sustainability of the soil—an invaluable asset for Indian farmers.

A Solution to Persistent Weed Management Challenges

Weed control in paddy cultivation has long posed significant difficulties for farmers. The use of incorrect or ineffective herbicides often leads to only partial weed suppression, resulting in stunted crop growth and yield loss. Additionally, managing weeds manually is labor-intensive and expensive, and the combined use of multiple herbicides increases the input cost by approximately ₹1,500–₹2,000 per acre.

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To counter these inefficiencies, Insecticides India Limited has launched Altair, a next-generation herbicide based on cutting-edge Japanese technology developed by Nissan Chemical after eight years of dedicated research. Altair is especially effective against resistant weed species and ensures optimum yield by establishing a preventive herbicidal barrier in the soil.

Altair is suitable for both transplanted and direct-seeded paddy systems, making it versatile and widely applicable across geographies and farming practices.

Key Features and Benefits of Altair

  • Early and Extended Protection: Altair activates immediately after application and prevents weed emergence for 40 to 50 days, which is considered a critical growth phase for paddy crops.
  • Labor and Cost Efficiency: By drastically reducing the need for manual weeding, Altair can lower labor dependency by up to 80%, leading to considerable savings for farmers.
  • Improved Crop Yields: Field trials across multiple states in India have demonstrated a 15–20% increase in yield compared to conventional weed management practices.
  • Positive Farmer Feedback: Altair has been widely appreciated by farmers nationwide for its efficacy and ease of use. Its ability to control tough weeds and reduce management costs has made it a preferred choice.
  • Environmentally Conscious: The product forms a protective layer in the soil that not only curbs weed growth but also maintains soil health and fertility over time.
  • Dosage: The recommended dosage is 160 grams per acre. Altair can be applied via standard spraying methods or mixed with sand or compost for broadcast application.
  • Timing: Altair should be applied within 0 to 3 days after transplanting for maximum effectiveness.
  • Water Management: After application, maintain a water level of 2–3 cm in the field for 7–10 days to activate the herbicidal barrier effectively.

Also Read: India Faces Decline in Cotton Productivity Amid TSV Virus Threat: Govt Calls Urgent Meeting in Coimbatore

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