Godrej Agrovet Launches New Herbicide ‘Ashitaka’ for Maize Crop in India
29 August 2025, New Delhi: Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet) has launched a new herbicide for maize crops. ‘Ashitaka,’ developed in collaboration with ISK Japan, is aimed at controlling grasses and broad-leaved weeds, which remain a challenge for maize farmers in India. Weed infestation during the initial growth phases affects maize productivity. When applied at the 2–4 weed leaf stage, Ashitaka (Technical: Tolpyralate 40%SC) controls weeds effectively.
India ranks 4th globally in maize acreage and 5th in annual maize production. With increasing demand for animal protein, starch, and other industrial products that use maize, the requirement for maize in livestock feed, industrial, and biofuel use has risen over the years. The sector continues to face challenges including limited access to quality seeds and inputs. Climate change also impacts production through extreme weather, rainfall variability, and higher incidence of pests and diseases. Research-based solutions like Ashitaka are expected to help increase yield and maintain the crop’s role in the economy.
Rajavelu NK, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet said, “At Godrej Agrovet, our mission is to deliver research-based solutions that support Indian farmers. Weed management during the early stages of crop growth is important for productivity. The launch of Ashitaka is intended to provide farmers with a solution to improve yields and profitability.”
Anil Choubey, General Manager – Marketing, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet added, “Ashitaka’s weed control in maize reduces crop-weed competition, enabling better use of soil moisture and nutrients, and supporting plant growth during stages like flowering and grain filling. The recommended dosage for Ashitaka is 50 ml/acre with 400 ml/acre of surfactant at the 2–4 weed leaf stage – helps in early weed control and reduces yield losses. This leads to more consistent output, improved grain quality, and income stability, especially in rain-fed areas.”
Ashitaka has been launched in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand across all maize-growing states in the coming months.
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