Connect with:
Friday / February 21. 2025

logo
mobile-logo
HomePosts Tagged "Ankur Aggarwal"
Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, India, Trade

 This is amongst the largest acquisitions of Crystal, which shall boost its EBITDA by 20% while bolstering its leadership in the rice herbicide market.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, a pioneer in agricultural innovation, announced the global acquisition of the active ingredient Ethoxysulfuron from Bayer AG for sales in certain Asian countries. This acquisition mark Crystal’s 13th strategic transaction and second acquisition from Bayer after the acquisition of Indian Cotton, Pearl Millet and Mustard seed portfolio in 2021.

Backed by International Finance Corporation (IFC), Crystal Crop is an R&D-based crop solution company delivering advanced, farmer-centric solutions for over 4 decades. This is amongst the largest acquisitions of Crystal, which shall boost its EBITDA by 20 per cent while bolstering its leadership in the rice herbicide market.

The transaction brings the trusted Sunrice trademark and the mixture product containing Ethoxysulfuron, along with all registrations. Ethoxysulfuron is known for effectively controlling broad-leaved weeds and sedges in rice and cereal crops, making it a key addition to Crystal’s portfolio. The acquisition aligns with Crystal’s mission of providing cost-effective, sustainable solutions by manufacturing the product locally, resulting in enhanced cost synergies and accessibility for farmers in India, South Asia, and South-East Asia (including Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Pakistan).

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Limited, said: “This acquisition is a testament to our focus on strengthening our portfolio with solutions that truly make a difference to farmers’ lives. With this transaction, we are taking a step forward in empowering farmers with advanced weed management solutions. By leveraging our strong distribution network and manufacturing capabilities, we will ensure that these solutions reach farmers efficiently across India, South Asia, and South-East Asia.”

Crystal’s understanding of the rice ecosystem makes this acquisition a natural fit, enhancing its ability to support farmers with comprehensive solutions from seed to harvest. The company’s growing presence in South Asia and South-East Asia through its partnerships and acquisitions strengthens its position as a leader in the agricultural solutions market.

Crystal Crop Protection has built a reputation for driving inorganic growth through strategic acquisitions. This transaction follows the acquisition of I&B Seeds earlier in the year 2024, marking its consistent efforts to diversify and expand its offerings in crop protection, seeds, and farm mechanization. Over the years, Crystal has acquired brands from leading global players like Syngenta, FMC, Bayer, BASF and Dow-Corteva continually reinforcing its position as an industry leader.

 This is amongst the largest acquisitions of

Agribusiness, Company News, Floriculture, Horticulture, Seeds, Trade, Vegetables

This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify its seeds business and strengthen its presence in the high-value vegetable and flower segments.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited has announced its 12th acquisition, acquiring I&B Seeds, a prominent player in the flower and vegetable seeds market having a leadership position in Marigold seeds with Indus and SPS brands. This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify its seeds business and strengthen its presence in the high-value vegetable and flower segments, positioning the company as a formidable player in the industry.

By expanding into this segment, Crystal aims to provide farmers with access to high-quality vegetable and flower seeds that can enhance yield and profitability. I&B Seeds is a leader in the flower and vegetable seeds market, known for its strong focus on R&D and high-quality seed products. The company is the market leader in Marigold seeds with Indus and SPS brands and has a strong presence in Tomato, Chilies, Sweetcorn and Cucumber. With over 600+ dealers across India and export operations in countries like the United States, Egypt, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, I&B Seeds has a robust global presence.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited, said, “This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our growth strategy. At Crystal, we are deeply committed to the well-being of our farmers. By expanding into the vegetable and flower seed segments, we are not only diversifying our offerings but also enhancing our ability to provide farmers with high-quality seeds that can significantly increase their incomes. Our focus is on empowering farmers with innovative solutions that improve yields and profitability, ensuring they have access to the best resources for their cultivation needs. I&B Seed’s expertise in the flower and vegetable seeds market, combined with our strong portfolio in field crops, will allow us to better serve the agricultural community and contribute to sustainable farming practices across India.”

Crystal’s current seeds portfolio has farmer’s preferred brands like Proagro, Sadanand, Surpass, and Dairy Green across field crops like cotton, maize, pearl millet, mustard, fodder, wheat, berseem, and sorghum. With the addition of Indus and SPS Brands with the acquisition of I&B Seeds vegetable and flower segments, Crystal will further diversify its product offerings and expand its reach to more farmers. The new business is expected to boost Crystal’s seeds division, contributing to a 30 per cent increase in its topline growth.

Praveen Noojibail, Managing Director of I&B Seeds, stated, “This acquisition is a great opportunity for Crystal Seeds to combine I&B Seed’s legacy in flower and vegetable seeds with Crystal’s extensive resources and distribution network. The size and strength of Crystal will help accelerate the reach of innovative and high-quality seeds to farmers across India and beyond, ensuring better yields and profitability.”

George Ball, Chairman, W. Atlee Burpee Company and Partner in I&B Seeds, also stated that it will be a great opportunity for I&B Seed’s R&D to reach farmers at a larger level and help them produce better crops.

Artha Arbitrage Consulting, a Hyderabad-based financial consulting firm, advised I&B on this transaction.

This acquisition will enable Crystal to diversify

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, People

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical India, continues his role as Vice-Chairman for the fourth consecutive year.

CropLife India, an association of 17 R&D driven member companies in crop protection, has announced the change in leadership in the board of directors. The 44th annual general meeting of CropLife India elected Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd, as the new Chairman of the board recently. Aggarwal succeeds KC Ravi, who served as the Chairman for the past four years.

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical India, continues his role as Vice-Chairman for the fourth consecutive year. Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Bayer CropScience for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, has been inducted as the second Vice-Chairman of the board.

A media statement said Ankur Aggarwal’s extensive experience positions him as a pivotal leader in the crop protection industry. He is committed to advancing innovative technologies that empower farmers to enhance productivity sustainably, all while addressing the crucial environmental challenges the country faces today.

 Aggarwal said in the statement, “India is confronted with a pressing challenge: decreasing agricultural landholdings alongside a growing population, which is increasing at about 0.8 per cent annually. This scenario heightens the demand for food production, putting pressure on food systems and necessitating innovative solutions for food security. To address this, the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, efficient resource management, and responsible use of crop protection solutions will be essential for maximising productivity on existing farmland. As the Chairman of CropLife India, we remain committed to improving the lives of Indian farmers. We are dedicated to providing them with science-based solutions that ensure effective and sustainable crop protection.”

Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General of CropLife India, said: “It will be our earnest endeavour in collaborating closely with Mr Ankur Aggarwal and the board of directors, to fulfil our responsibility in delivering the latest and safest innovations. Together, we aim to educate farmers on the safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions, ensuring they can effectively protect their crops while prioritizing safety and sustainability.”

Anil Kakkar, Vice President of Sumitomo Chemical

Agbiologicals, Agribusiness, Company News, Herbicides, India, Inputs

Verdino targets weed management in wheat crops and is especially effective against Phalaris minor, a troublesome weed for wheat farmers.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, an agrochemical company, has announced the launch of Verdino, a new herbicide specially designed for wheat farmers in India. This launch is complemented by the Kanak 600 Boom Sprayer, which is both affordable and manufactured in India, aiming to benefit wheat farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Verdino targets weed management in wheat crops and is especially effective against Phalaris minor, a troublesome weed for wheat farmers. It should be applied within 0-3 days of sowing to prevent weeds from impacting crop growth. This early application helps achieve longer-lasting control and healthier wheat, ultimately increasing yields.

The Kanak 600 Boom Sprayer is an affordable machine available, featuring a 12-meter boom that allows for efficient spraying in a single pass. This reduces waste and conserves chemicals, emphasizing Crystal’s commitment to enhancing farm efficiency and sustainability.

 Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited said, “Verdino and Kanak 600 Boom Sprayer are a testament to our dedication to providing farmers with effective, safe, and innovative crop protection solutions. Verdino ensures superior weed management, protecting the wheat crop and supporting higher agricultural productivity, while the Kanak 600 Boom Sprayer simplifies the spraying process and improves efficiency. Together, these products embody our commitment to empowering Indian farmers with the best tools and technologies available.”

Both Verdino and the Kanak 600 Boom Sprayer are now available at authorised distributors and retail outlets across India. Crystal Crop Protection Limited is committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability for Indian farmers.

Verdino targets weed management in wheat crops

Agribusiness, Agro chems – Pesticides, Company News, India

Proclaim XTRA delivers swift, long-lasting control over all damaging lepidopteran insect stages which provide greener and healthier crops with more yield.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, a leading agrochemical organization, has launched Proclaim XTRA, its latest insecticide specifically formulated for maize and soybean. Proclaim XTRA is designed to provide effective protection against all kinds of caterpillar especially Spodoptera spp. like Fall Army worm. This ensures prolonged crop safety and help farmers to maximise yield during the crop cycle. This innovative solution promises to enhance crop health and productivity, contributing to the success and sustainability of farmers’ produce.

Proclaim XTRA is a contact, systemic and translaminar insecticide that works to paralyze and kill caterpillars. It is an EC formulation that enables efficient control on a wide range of caterpillar pests on crops. The caterpillar rapidly ceases damage to crops after its application, provides rapid control with long duration. It inhibits the metamorphosis of insect which prevents insect to convert into another damaging stage. Farmers should apply Proclaim XTRA at the stage of 30-60 Days and 60-90 Days after sowing of soybean.

Commenting on the launch, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited said “Crystal’s mission to work closely with the farming community and improve farm profitability and sustainability in crop protection stands at the core where we conceived Proclaim Xtra. This unique formulation not only controls a wide array of caterpillars but will contribute to ensure a better yield for Soybean and Maize farmers. Proclaim Xtra is an amplification for our efforts to build profitable farms for all. Crystal’s legacy of innovative R&D capability is committed to provide sustainable farming solutions to Indian farmers and Proclaim Xtra establishes our endeavour further,”.

“At Crystal, we’re thrilled to introduce Proclaim Xtra—a game-changer in crop protection designed to boost farm profitability and sustainability. This unique formulation effectively targets caterpillars, ensuring higher yields for Soybean and Maize farmers. Proclaim Xtra embodies our commitment to deliver innovative solutions that empower Indian farmers,” added Sohit Satyawali, Sales & Marketing Head of Crystal Crop Protection Limited.

Explaining the impact of the product, Praveen Gour, Portfolio Head Insecticide Crystal Crop Protection Limited said, “We are excited to introduce Proclaim XTRA, a breakthrough insecticide poised to redefine pest management in agriculture. Designed as an EC formulation, Proclaim XTRA delivers comprehensive control against caterpillar through its unique contact, systemic, and translaminar properties. By hampering insect metamorphosis, this solution not only prevents crop damage but also ensures sustained efficacy over time.

The product uniqueness imparts control over the three life stages of the caterpillar i.e. egg, larva as well as adult making it a holistic product for difficult pests like Spodoptera spp,”.

Proclaim XTRA delivers swift, long-lasting control over

Company News, Herbicides, India

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop Protection’s portfolio will play a vital role in extending its reach to more farmers across India and is expected to contribute significantly

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, one of the fast-growing R&D-based crop protection manufacturing and marketing companies in India, has announced the acquisition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® for use in the Indian market, from Syngenta, a global leader in agriculture.

With increasing herbicide adoption of an impressive 15-20 per cent in the last decade, farmers have been open to using innovative methods for increasing crop yield. A paradigm shift from manual weeding to the use of herbicides is expected to enhance agricultural production in India significantly.

Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited, stated, “In a pursuit to improve protect yield and increase profits for farmers, herbicides have become the fastest-growing segment in crop protection. The acquisition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® represents a significant step forward in our pursuit of expanding our footprint within the herbicide category. GRAMOXONE® is a widely recognised trademark in the broad-spectrum herbicide category.”

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop Protection’s portfolio will play a vital role in extending its reach to more farmers across India and is expected to contribute significantly. Crystal Crop Protection’s non-selective herbicide portfolio already features industry-leading brands.

The addition of the trademark GRAMOXONE® to Crystal Crop

Agro chems – Chemicals, Company News, India, People

During the 43rd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi, Anil Kakkar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Sumitomo Chemical India was re-elected as the Vice Chairman, 3rd year in a row and Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. has been elected as the second Vice Chairman.

CropLife India; the association of leading domestic and multinational R&D driven crop science companies; is pleased to announce that Dr K. C. Ravi, Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Board, 4th year in a row; during the 43rd Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi. Anil Kakkar, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Sumitomo Chemical India was re-elected as the Vice Chairman, 3rd year in a row. Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Ltd. has been elected as the second Vice Chairman of the Board by the members.

With his immense experience, Dr Ravi would continue to lead the agenda of the crop protection industry in championing innovative technologies that enable farmers to sustainably increase productivity while managing the critical challenges facing our environment.

Dr. K. C. Ravi, shared, “As India emerges as a Global Food Hub, the need for a predictable, stable, and science-based policy and regulatory regime in the crop protection sector is imperative. As the Chairman of CropLife India, our unwavering commitment to working passionately for the betterment of Indian farmers; remain unhindered. We are dedicated to provide our farmers, with science-based, science-led, and science-bred products to ensure the effective and enduring protection of their crops”.

 Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India shared, “CropLife India with the support of new Board will continue to engage with all the stakeholders for the growth of the agriculture sector and also of the crop protection sector. CropLife also continues to create awareness amongst the farmers for the safe and responsible use of crop protection solutions”.

Crop protection industry is one of the most important segments of the agriculture sector and contributes significantly to the socio-economic development of the farming community, rural economy and also to the Indian economy. CropLife members are committed to work closely with farmers, scientific community and policy makers to address current as well as future challenges and work towards bringing latest and safer innovations for the farmers. However, the cost of research has gone up and it is estimated that the cost of discovery and development of a new active ingredient is around Rs 2000 crores. If Indian agriculture must flourish, be more competitive, quality driven, reducing wastages as well as losses to enable our farmers to be more successful, it is absolutely essential that a progressive policy environment is in place that fosters innovations.

During the 43rd Annual General Meeting

Agro chems – Chemicals, Agro chems – Pesticides, Agrotech, Company News, India

Sikosa was tested in various State Agri Universities with more than 1,000 demonstrations in the last 5 years with paddy farmers.

Crystal Crop Protection Limited, in collaboration with the global leaders Batelle and MASI, developed Sikosa, a next-generation herbicide on the back of cutting-edge R&D powered by Banyan Technology. Sikosa is a revolutionary product designed to protect paddy crops from weeds. It marks a significant milestone in global collaboration and research and development efforts for Indian farmers.

Darren Grafham from Battelle Crop Protection Solutions UK expressed his excitement about the deployment of Banyan technology in India, stating, “We are excited to see the deployment of the Banyan technology co-developed with MASI and taken to market through our partner Crystal Crop Protection in India. This first product is expected to enhance the yields of paddy crops in India for the benefit of farmers across the continent. We look forward to furthering our partnership with Crystal to bring innovations to India.”

Hidetoshi Nakamura of Mitsui Agriscience International – AgriGuard subsidiary (MASI) expressed his pride in the breakthrough formulation technology, saying, “We are proud to have discovered and developed, with Battelle, a breakthrough formulation technology. Our best-in-class formulation technology, combined with Crystal’s expertise and extensive presence across India, will allow Sikosa to become a leading paddy herbicide rapidly.”

Driven by its robust in-house R&D capabilities, strategic acquisitions, and collaborations with international players, Crystal has launched 14 products over the past two years.

Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Limited said, “In this era of collaboration, Sikosa will be a great example of global collaboration in R&D-based product introduction for Indian farmers. With this introduction, Crystal now has the widest range of products for the complete crop cycle of Paddy”.

Sikosa was tested in various State Agri Universities with more than 1,000 demonstrations in the last 5 years with paddy farmers. The product has been found effective in the control of narrow-leaf weeds, broad-leaf weeds, and sedges.

Sikosa was tested in various State Agri