Rising Input Costs Threaten India’s Crop Protection Industry

The conflict in West Asia is causing a significant increase in input costs for India's crop protection industry. This could lead to a shortage of essential pesticides, affecting agricultural yields. CropLife India warns of potential circulation of counterfeit products and calls for government support to alleviate the impact.

The ongoing conflict in West Asia is poised to significantly inflate input costs by 20-25% for India's crop protection industry, according to CropLife India. The situation has raised concerns about the potential shortage of essential pesticides during a crucial agricultural period, which could adversely affect crop yields.

Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman of CropLife India, expressed concerns over lower capacity utilization across technical and formulation plants, which could have a cascading impact on earnings and employment, especially among MSMEs. He urged the government to provide support and incentives in the energy sector to boost domestic production.

The industry body also warned of the risks associated with counterfeit and substandard products entering the market amid potential supply gaps. Aggarwal emphasized the importance of vigilance and robust monitoring mechanisms to prevent this from happening. CropLife India remains committed to collaborating with the government on a science-based regulatory framework that balances innovation with safety for both farmers and consumers.