BASF India introduced two breakthrough crop protection solutions—Valexio® Insecticide and Mibelya® Fungicide—to support the productivity and resilience of India’s key staple: rice. These innovations aim to help rice farmers increase yields while effectively managing pests and diseases that threaten the crop. With rice production exceeding 100 million metric tons annually, India plays a pivotal role in the global rice trade, contributing to around 40% of international exports.
Tackling Climate Challenges with Innovation
Climate change has significantly disrupted rice farming in India. Erratic weather, increased pest pressures such as rice hoppers, and rising disease outbreaks like sheath blight have all contributed to lower and poor-quality yields. BASF’s latest solutions address these emerging challenges head-on, offering rice growers advanced protection and stronger crop performance.
Valexio®: Next-Gen Insecticide for Rice Hopper Control
Valexio® is BASF’s newest insecticide designed specifically for rice. Launched first in India, it represents a major advancement in pest management. “Valexio® marks a pivotal moment for rice growers in Asia-Pacific and reaffirms our long-term commitment to the Rice Crop System,” said Marko Grozdanovic, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Marketing & Sustainability, BASF Agricultural Solutions.
Valexio® targets all damaging life stages of the rice hopper and offers exceptional efficacy with long-lasting residual control. With no known cross-resistance to existing market standards, it delivers reliable results while preserving future resistance management strategies. Trials also show that Valexio® improves plant health—leading to stronger stems, denser canopies, robust root systems, and broader flag leaves, all of which contribute to potentially higher yields.
Mibelya®: Advanced Fungicide for Disease Management
As monsoon season nears, rice growers face heightened threats from fungal diseases. Mibelya® provides timely and targeted protection against sheath blight and dirty panicle, thanks to its dual-action formula. Powered by BASF’s patented active ingredients—Revysol® and Xemium®—Mibelya® acts faster, penetrates deeper, and offers long-lasting disease control. Its unique mode of action also contributes to resistance management and sustainable farming practices.
Empowering Farmers Across Asia
“Rice is vital not just for India, but for millions of farmers across Asia,” emphasized Simone Barg, Senior Vice President, BASF Agricultural Solutions, Asia-Pacific. “The launch of Valexio® and Mibelya® represents a major victory for sustainable agriculture. These products bring real, science-backed solutions to farmers, helping them fight pests and diseases more effectively and meet evolving regulatory and environmental standards,” Barg added.
Delivering Results Where It Matters Most
Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director, Agricultural Solutions, BASF India, highlighted, “In my conversations with farmers across India, they always ask: ‘How can you help me secure or increase my yield?’ With Valexio® and Mibelya®, we now have the right answers. My team is committed to ensuring these innovations reach farmers in time for the upcoming rice transplanting season.”
He also extended appreciation to agricultural authorities, scientists, and partners who are working together to uplift India’s farming communities: “These farmers are doing the biggest job on Earth, and we are proud to support them.”
Ready for the 2025 Rice Season
Valexio® and Mibelya® will be available across India starting June—just in time to support rice growers as they begin transplanting for the monsoon season. As per the company press release, these cutting-edge solutions are set to play a key role in enhancing India’s rice production and securing its food future.
