Rice-focused insecticide debut aligns with the company’s strategy to leverage global R&D partnerships for Indian agriculture

Godrej Agrovet Limited has expanded its crop protection portfolio with the launch of TAKAI, a new insecticide developed specifically for rice cultivation. Introduced on February 7, 2026, the product is powered by Cyclapryn technology from ISK Japan and is aimed at controlling two of the most destructive rice pests—Stem Borer and Leaf Folder—across key growth stages.

TAKAI has been designed for the Indian market, where rice is cultivated across multiple seasons under warm, humid, and waterlogged conditions that heighten pest pressure throughout the crop cycle. The insecticide follows a two-stage application protocol, with recommended doses of 160 ml applied during 15–30 days after transplanting (DAT) and again at 40–60 DAT, ensuring extended protection during both vegetative and reproductive phases.

The application timing aligns with pest behavior patterns that often lead to undetected early damage and significant yield losses later in the season. Stem Borer infestations during early growth stages can result in severe plant damage, while combined attacks from Stem Borer and Leaf Folder during mid-growth stages reduce photosynthetic capacity and overall crop vigor. Under severe conditions, these pests can lead to yield losses ranging from 20 per cent to 40 per cent.

Godrej Agrovet is currently pursuing label expansion approvals to extend TAKAI’s use beyond rice to additional crops including maize, chilli, cabbage, soybean, chickpea, and sugarcane, which would significantly broaden the product’s addressable market.

The launch reflects insights from pre-commercial farmer assessments, which indicate strong demand for rapid pest control, longer residual activity, and improved crop health—key attributes addressed by TAKAI’s mode of action and application design.

India remains the world’s largest rice producer, with output exceeding 150 million tonnes annually, yet per-hectare productivity continues to trail global benchmarks. Effective pest management remains a critical lever for improving yield outcomes, particularly in intensive and multi-season cropping systems.

The introduction of TAKAI underscores Godrej Agrovet’s strategy of leveraging global research partnerships to deliver advanced crop protection solutions tailored to Indian farming conditions, strengthening its position across staple food crops and high-impact pest management segments.