Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) launched GRANUVIA™, a next-generation insecticide for paddy cultivation, in Karnataka. Developed to provide long-lasting protection against Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) and stem borer, GRANUVIA™ aims to help rice farmers improve crop health, reduce pest-related losses, and enhance productivity. The product offers up to 60 days of control against Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) when applied 30–35 days after transplanting. In addition, it provides up to two weeks of protection against stem borer, helping farmers manage dead heart symptoms during a critical stage of crop growth.
Addressing Major Challenges in Paddy Cultivation
Pest infestations remain one of the biggest threats to rice production across India. During the previous cropping season, prolonged outbreaks of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) affected millions of acres across several states. As a result, many farmers had to undertake two to three rounds of pesticide applications to control the pest. In severe infestations, BPH can reduce paddy yields by 20% to 60%, making effective pest management essential for maintaining farm productivity. Similarly, stem borer continues to be a major yield-limiting pest. It typically causes 10% to 30% crop damage, while severe infestations can result in even higher losses due to the formation of dead hearts, which significantly weaken plant growth and reduce grain production.
Long-Duration Protection with Easy Application
GRANUVIA™ has been designed to provide extended pest control while simplifying field operations. Its advanced granular formulation enables farmers to apply the product using the familiar broadcasting method by mixing it with sand or urea, making adoption easy without requiring additional equipment or changes in existing farming practices.
Key features of GRANUVIA™ include up to 60 days of Brown Plant Hopper (BPH) control, up to two weeks of stem borer protection, recommended application at 30–35 days after transplanting, simple broadcasting application, reduced number of pesticide sprays, lower application costs and improved crop vigour and tillering. These benefits help farmers reduce labour requirements while protecting crop yields during critical growth stages.
Managing Director Highlights
Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India) Limited, said that rising pest pressure and changing climatic conditions require farmers to adopt more reliable and effective crop protection solutions. He noted that GRANUVIA™ has been developed to deliver consistent,
long-term pest control while improving overall crop health and productivity. By effectively controlling both Brown Plant Hopper and stem borer, the product offers sustained protection throughout key stages of paddy development.
Partnership Brings Advanced Technology to Indian Farmers
Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer, Insecticides (India) Limited, explained that GRANUVIA™ has been developed by Corteva Agriscience and will be marketed by Insecticides (India) Limited under its own brand. According to him, the product is based on a novel mode of action that effectively controls both Brown Plant Hopper and stem borer. Combining advanced technology with proven field performance, GRANUVIA™ delivers superior value while supporting modern and sustainable rice farming practices. He added that its farmer-friendly application and long-lasting efficacy are expected to strengthen integrated pest management and improve paddy productivity across India.
Granular Formulation Reduces Cost and Effort
Manoj Singh Bhandari, General Manager & Crop Manager – Paddy, described GRANUVIA™ as a future-ready solution for progressive rice farmers. He explained that the product’s granular formulation reduces overall application costs while minimizing repeated pesticide sprays through its extended control of Brown Plant Hopper. Since farmers have long sought practical solutions that fit seamlessly into their existing farming practices, GRANUVIA™ provides an efficient alternative that lowers both labour and operational expenses. The product helps improve crop vigour, encourages better tillering, increases plant density, and supports more reliable harvests despite rising pest pressure and climate variability.
Strengthening Sustainable Paddy Pest Management
With increasing pest incidence and changing climatic conditions posing new challenges to rice cultivation, farmers require crop protection products that combine long-lasting efficacy, ease of application, and cost efficiency. As per the press release, by introducing GRANUVIA™, Insecticides (India) Limited expands its crop protection portfolio with an advanced insecticide that supports sustainable paddy farming, improves integrated pest management, and helps farmers protect yields while reducing repeated pesticide applications.
