Aragen, a global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), successfully completed the technology transfer and manufactured the first commercial-scale Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) batches of Renaissance Pharma’s lead biologic candidate, Daretabart, within just nine months.

Daretabart is a humanized anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) being developed for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma (HRNB), a rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing strategic collaboration between Aragen and Renaissance Pharma and demonstrates the effectiveness of Aragen’s integrated biologics development and manufacturing platform.

FDA Fast Track Designation Strengthens Program Momentum

In April 2026, Daretabart received Fast Track Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma. The designation highlights the urgent need for innovative therapies for this life-threatening childhood cancer and is expected to accelerate the development and review process.

Aragen initially developed the cell line and early-stage manufacturing process for Daretabart at its Morgan Hill facility in California. Subsequently, the program was successfully transferred to Aragen’s commercial biologics manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, India, where GMP production is now being carried out at commercial scale.

Bengaluru Facility Designed for Flexible Commercial Production

Aragen’s Bengaluru biologics facility has been designed to support both scale-up and scale-out manufacturing strategies. The site plans to operate multiple 2,000-liter (2 KL) bioreactors, enabling the production of the same biologic molecule across several reactors simultaneously.

This flexible manufacturing approach allows faster readiness for clinical and commercial supply requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. At full capacity, the facility can manufacture approximately 60–70 batches annually at the 2 KL scale, with a turnaround time of one batch every four to five days.

In addition, the facility can operate two 2 KL bioreactors in parallel, effectively delivering a 4 KL batch size. The manufacturing suite supports both fed-batch and intensified fed-batch production processes, providing greater flexibility for diverse biologics programs.

Accelerated Technology Transfer Delivers Strong Results

The successful transfer of Daretabart production to Aragen’s newly commissioned $40 million commercial biologics facility in Bengaluru represents a major advancement in the program’s clinical and commercial readiness. During the technology transfer process, Aragen achieved several-fold improvements in product titer while maintaining right-first-time execution from laboratory scale through to 2 KL GMP manufacturing. The seamless transition underscores the company’s expertise in scaling biologics programs from development to commercial production.

Promising Clinical Outcomes for Daretabart

Daretabart has already demonstrated encouraging clinical efficacy in Phase II studies. Renaissance Pharma reported a three-year event-free survival rate of 73.7% and an overall survival rate of 86% among pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma. These positive clinical outcomes reinforce the potential of Daretabart to address a critical unmet medical need in pediatric oncology and support the program’s advancement toward regulatory submission and commercialization.

Leadership Highlights Value of Integrated Development Model

Simon Ball, Director of Renaissance Pharma, said, “Our partnership with Aragen exemplifies the power of integrated CDMO expertise. The Morgan Hill-to-Bengaluru handoff delivered exceptional results that enabled us to meet key clinical development milestones within nine months.”

The latest technology transfer also marks the sixth program to successfully progress from
early-phase development at Aragen’s Morgan Hill site to clinical supply manufacturing in Bengaluru. This track record highlights the strength of Aragen’s discovery-to-manufacturing model, which is designed to accelerate biotech programs toward Biologics License Application (BLA) submission.

Subodh Deshmukh, CEO – Biologics at Aragen, added, “Aragen’s dual-hub model—combining R&D innovation in California with GMP manufacturing scale in India—enables seamless gene-to-GMP pathways with industry-leading cost efficiencies and quality standards. We are proud to support Renaissance Pharma in scaling Daretabart efficiently and reliably as it advances toward BLA submission and commercial launch.”

Strengthening Biologics Manufacturing Capabilities

The successful commercialization of Daretabart manufacturing further strengthens Aragen’s position as a global biologics CRDMO. As per the press release, by integrating early-stage development, process optimization, technology transfer, and commercial-scale GMP manufacturing within a unified platform, the company continues to help biotechnology innovators accelerate the journey from discovery to market.

Kazakhstan is accelerating the development of its coal-to-chemicals sector with plans to establish six major projects aimed at converting its abundant coal reserves into higher-value industrial products. The initiative forms part of the country’s broader strategy to strengthen its downstream chemical industry while maximizing the economic value of its growing coal sector. According to Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry, the projects will support the production of fuels, chemicals, fertilizers, and metallurgical products, helping diversify the country’s industrial base and reduce dependence on raw commodity exports.

Three Major Coal Processing Projects Underway

The ministry announced that three significant projects are already being implemented across key coal-producing regions. Two of the projects are located in the major coal hubs of Pavlodar and Karaganda. Each facility is designed to convert coal into diesel fuel, with an annual production capacity of approximately 100,000 tonnes.

In addition, construction is underway on a large-scale metallurgical coke plant in Karaganda. The facility is expected to produce around one million tonnes of coke annually, supporting the country’s steel and metallurgical industries. These investments mark an important step toward enhancing domestic coal utilization and developing value-added products from Kazakhstan’s natural resources.

Additional Coal-to-Chemicals Projects Under Evaluation

Alongside the projects already under development, the government is evaluating three additional coal conversion initiatives. One proposed project involves the construction of a coke-chemical complex in Karaganda. The facility would focus on coal tar processing, benzene production, and purification of coke oven gas, creating multiple downstream chemical products from coal-derived feedstocks. Another project under consideration is located in the eastern coal-producing region of Abay. The proposed facility would manufacture ammonia and urea, supporting both domestic fertilizer demand and potential export opportunities. The Energy Ministry is also assessing a coal gasification project aimed at producing gas from coal resources. The final location for this facility has yet to be determined.

Leveraging One of the World’s Largest Coal Reserves

Kazakhstan possesses substantial coal resources, with proven reserves estimated at approximately 33.6 billion tons. These reserves provide a strong foundation for the country’s long-term coal conversion and industrial development strategy. The largest coal deposits are concentrated in central Kazakhstan, including the Karaganda, Turgai, Shubarkol, and Zhalyn basins. Significant reserves are also located in the northeastern regions, particularly around Ekibastuz, Maikube, and Karazhyra. By utilizing these resources for higher-value chemical and industrial applications, Kazakhstan aims to generate greater economic returns while expanding its manufacturing capabilities.

Government Pushes Investment and Coal Sector Expansion

The coal-to-chemicals initiative aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader efforts to strengthen its coal industry through increased investment, production growth, and export expansion. In 2026, the government has placed renewed emphasis on developing the sector, particularly through investments in processing infrastructure and downstream industries. While thermal coal exports remain an important component of the country’s energy economy, policymakers are increasingly focused on creating additional value through coal conversion technologies. By advancing coal-to-chemicals projects, Kazakhstan seeks to position itself as a regional hub for industrial chemicals, synthetic fuels, and coal-derived products while supporting long-term economic diversification.

Coal-to-Chemicals Strategy Supports Industrial Growth

The planned projects demonstrate Kazakhstan’s commitment to transforming its vast coal reserves into a wider range of industrial products. As global demand continues to grow for fuels, fertilizers, and specialty chemicals, the country’s investment in coal conversion technologies could help unlock new revenue streams and strengthen its industrial competitiveness.

As reported by argusmedia.com, with six projects at various stages of development, Kazakhstan is taking significant steps toward building a more integrated and value-added coal economy that extends beyond traditional mining and exports.

German battery manufacturer EAS Batteries officially commercialized its ultra-high-power lithium-ion lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell, the UHP601300 LFP 22, following its initial launch in March 2026. The new battery cell incorporates Acetolyte™, Asahi Kasei’s innovative acetonitrile-based electrolyte technology, designed to significantly enhance battery power output, efficiency, and durability.

By leveraging Acetolyte’s high ionic conductivity, the cell achieves lower internal resistance and superior rate capability, particularly under challenging temperature conditions. As a result, the technology addresses several longstanding performance limitations associated with conventional lithium-ion batteries.

Licensing Partnership Accelerates Commercial Deployment

The commercial launch follows a licensing agreement signed in November 2025 between EAS Batteries and Asahi Kasei. Under the agreement, EAS gained rights to utilize Acetolyte™ technology in its cylindrical LFP battery cells. The successful market introduction of the UHP601300 LFP 22 represents a significant milestone in Asahi Kasei’s global licensing strategy for its advanced electrolyte platform. Moreover, it demonstrates the speed at which both companies have translated laboratory innovation into commercial battery products.

Significant Improvements in Power Density and Cycle Life

The commercialized cell offers a nominal capacity of 22 Ah while delivering exceptional power performance. Under continuous discharge conditions, the battery achieves a specific power output of 2,550 W/kg, representing a 60% increase compared with similar cells using conventional electrolytes. Furthermore, during two-second pulse discharge tests, the cell reaches a specific power of 3,760 W/kg, delivering approximately 10% higher performance.

In addition to increased power output, the battery demonstrates strong durability. At room temperature, the cell achieves a cycle life of approximately 2,400 cycles under 5C charge and discharge conditions with 100% depth of discharge (DoD), while retaining 80% of its original capacity. Samples of the battery are currently undergoing evaluation by customers across multiple industrial sectors, highlighting growing interest in high-performance energy storage solutions.

Companies Expand Collaboration into Mobility Applications

Building on the success of the current product, EAS Batteries and Asahi Kasei have agreed to sublicense their combined technologies to global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and battery producers. The companies are particularly targeting expansion into mobility applications, where demand for compact, high-power battery systems continues to increase.

At the same time, both partners are advancing development of next-generation battery platforms based on the 46xxx cylindrical cell format. A commercial launch is targeted for 2026, and prototype cells are already available for customer testing. The upcoming 46xxx cells are primarily intended for low-voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery systems, offering improved performance and design flexibility for future mobility solutions.

Leadership Highlights Strength of Strategic Partnership

Michael Deutmeyer, Managing Director of EAS Batteries, emphasized the success of the collaboration. “The successful commercialization of our new cell featuring Asahi Kasei’s Acetolyte™ marks another important milestone in our strategic partnership. Our collaboration on the new 46xxx cell format is also progressing smoothly, demonstrating the strength of our joint development approach and our ability to accelerate innovation from concept to market readiness,” he informed. His comments underscore the importance of close collaboration between materials innovators and battery manufacturers in bringing advanced technologies to market quickly.

Acetolyte™ Enables Next-Generation Battery Performance

Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and Head of Corporate R&D and Intellectual Property, noted that the rapid transition from licensing agreement to commercial production reflects the highly focused efforts of both organizations. “The short time from signing our license agreement in November 2025 to the start of serial production in March 2026 demonstrates the strong collaboration between EAS Batteries and Asahi Kasei. Together, we have transformed advanced electrolyte technology into a commercially viable high-power battery cell within just a few months,” Matsuzaki informed. He added that development efforts are already underway for the next-generation cell format, further strengthening the partnership’s innovation pipeline.

Acetolyte™ Addresses Key Challenges in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Acetolyte™ has been specifically engineered to overcome several critical limitations of conventional lithium-ion battery technologies. Its high ionic conductivity enables greater power output, particularly at low operating temperatures where battery performance often declines. In addition, the electrolyte improves durability and stability under elevated temperatures, helping address thermal performance challenges faced by today’s lithium-ion batteries.

Beyond performance benefits, the technology also supports cost reduction and enables the use of smaller battery packs. Consequently, manufacturers can achieve higher energy density while reducing overall system size and weight.

Supporting the Future of High-Performance Energy Storage

As demand grows for advanced battery technologies across electric mobility, industrial equipment, and energy storage applications, innovations such as Acetolyte™ are expected to play a critical role in improving power performance, efficiency, and reliability. As per the press release, the commercialization of the UHP601300 LFP 22 not only strengthens EAS Batteries’ product portfolio but also demonstrates how advanced electrolyte technologies can accelerate the development of next-generation high-power lithium-ion batteries.

iNVERGY India strengthened its presence in the clean energy sector with the inauguration of a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) manufacturing facility in Dasna, Uttar Pradesh. The plant, which has an annual production capacity of 3 GWh, represents an investment of more than INR 200 crore and is expected to support India’s growing demand for advanced energy storage solutions. Spread across 217,000 square feet, the fully automated facility is designed to serve a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial and utility-scale applications.

Wide Range of Energy Storage Products

The manufacturing unit will produce battery energy storage systems, lithium iron phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) battery packs, integrated energy storage solutions and solar inverters. By expanding its domestic manufacturing capabilities, iNVERGY aims to contribute to India’s renewable energy transition and support the increasing deployment of solar power and energy storage projects across the country. The facility is expected to cater to diverse customer segments, ranging from residential rooftop solar users to large utility-scale renewable energy developers.

Advanced Technologies to Enhance Product Performance

To ensure high levels of efficiency, safety and reliability, the factory incorporates several advanced technologies throughout its production processes. According to the company, the facility features AI-driven Battery Management Systems (BMS), IoT-enabled remote monitoring solutions, advanced quality control systems and highly automated production lines.

“The facility incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including AI-driven battery management systems (BMS), IoT-enabled remote monitoring capabilities, advanced quality control mechanisms, and highly automated production lines, ensuring superior product reliability, safety, and performance,” the company said. These technologies are expected to improve battery performance, enhance operational efficiency and deliver greater reliability for energy storage applications.

GP Eco Solutions Reports Strong Financial Growth

The inauguration comes amid strong business growth for GP Eco Solutions India, the parent company of iNVERGY India. During FY 2025–26, the company reported consolidated revenue of Rs. 418 crore, reflecting approximately 69% growth compared to the previous financial year.

Supporting India’s Energy Transition

As India accelerates investments in renewable energy infrastructure, battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important for grid stability, renewable energy integration and energy reliability. As reported by pv-magazine-india.com, with the commissioning of its 3 GWh BESS facility, iNVERGY India is well-positioned to support the country’s clean energy ambitions while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities in the rapidly expanding energy storage sector.

India and Myanmar have agreed to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths, underscoring the growing strategic importance of these resources for economic development, technology manufacturing and supply chain security. The agreement emerged during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing.

Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Take Centre Stage

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said critical minerals and rare earths featured prominently in the discussions. He noted that both countries have been engaged in dialogue on the subject for some time and agreed to further advance cooperation in these strategically important sectors. The discussions assume significance as countries across the world seek to secure reliable supplies of critical minerals and rare earth elements, which are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, electronics and advanced manufacturing.

Focus on Defence and Security Cooperation

In addition to economic collaboration, both sides emphasized the importance of defence and security cooperation. According to Misri, India’s engagement with Myanmar in the defence sector has primarily focused on training, capacity building and institutional development. As reported by newindianexpress.com, a key area of cooperation involves preparing Myanmar personnel for participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. India has been actively supporting Myanmar through specialized training programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The government is reassessing the demand for green ammonia from domestic fertiliser manufacturers after several companies expressed interest in securing additional long-term supplies under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and the Department of Fertilisers are expected to hold discussions to evaluate the industry’s revised requirements and explore the possibility of expanding green ammonia procurement. The development marks a significant shift in the fertiliser sector’s approach toward green ammonia, which had initially witnessed cautious adoption due to concerns over pricing and commercial viability.

Supply Disruptions Drive Change in Industry Outlook

The fertiliser industry’s growing interest in green ammonia comes against the backdrop of supply disruptions and rising import costs triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia, particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran. These disruptions have tightened the availability of conventional ammonia in global markets, resulting in increased price volatility and supply uncertainty. Consequently, fertiliser manufacturers are increasingly looking at green ammonia as a strategic alternative to strengthen supply security and reduce exposure to geopolitical risks. As market conditions evolve, many companies are now willing to enter into additional long-term supply agreements for green ammonia.

India’s Dependence on Imported Ammonia

India produces approximately 16.5 to 17 million tons of phosphatic and potassic fertilisers annually. However, the country remains heavily dependent on imported ammonia, a critical raw material used in fertiliser manufacturing. Given this dependence, fluctuations in international ammonia markets can have a significant impact on domestic fertiliser production costs and supply chains. The recent disruptions have further highlighted the need for alternative and reliable sources of ammonia.

National Green Hydrogen Mission Gains Momentum

Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the government awarded the country’s first green ammonia supply contracts during August and September 2025. Subsequently, fertiliser companies and green ammonia producers signed long-term purchase and supply agreements in March. Importantly, these agreements provide fixed pricing for a period of ten years, addressing one of the key concerns that had previously limited industry participation—price certainty. With conventional ammonia prices rising sharply, fertiliser companies have begun reassessing the economics of green ammonia procurement. The fixed-price structure is increasingly viewed as a hedge against future market volatility.

Rising Importance of Green Ammonia

The renewed interest in green ammonia is particularly significant considering India’s annual ammonia requirement of nearly 20 million tonnes, most of which is driven by the fertiliser sector. As demand continues to grow, green ammonia is emerging as a viable option for enhancing energy security, reducing import dependence, and supporting the country’s decarbonisation goals. Moreover, increased adoption of green ammonia could accelerate the development of a domestic green hydrogen ecosystem, creating new opportunities for investment and industrial growth.

Global Market Still in Early Stages

As reported by Et Energy World, despite growing interest, large-scale global demand for green hydrogen and its derivatives, including green ammonia, remains at an early stage. One of the primary challenges continues to be the cost differential between green ammonia and conventionally produced grey ammonia. However, ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, stricter sustainability requirements, and long-term energy transition goals are steadily improving the business case for green ammonia adoption. As a result, India’s fertiliser industry appears increasingly willing to embrace green ammonia as both a strategic and sustainable solution for securing future ammonia supplies.

Tata Chemicals Limited’s Mambattu Unit has been awarded the Bronze Award at the 18^th CII National EHS Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing its outstanding commitment to Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) practices and workplace safety excellence. The award highlights the unit’s consistent efforts to foster a strong safety culture, protect employee well-being, and promote sustainable operational practices across its manufacturing operations.

CII Honours Industry Leaders in EHS Performance

Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the National EHS Excellence Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance in workplace safety, environmental management, occupational health, and sustainability. The awards serve as a benchmark for industry best practices, recognizing companies that successfully integrate safety and environmental stewardship into their business operations.

Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Operations

The recognition reflects Tata Chemicals’ continued focus on strengthening EHS systems and enhancing safety standards across its facilities. Through continuous improvement initiatives, robust risk management practices, and employee participation, the company has established a culture that prioritizes safety and environmental responsibility. The award underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining sustainable operations while ensuring the highest standards of occupational health and workplace safety.

Leadership Reaffirms Safety-First Culture

Narashimha V. Kamath, Chief – Manufacturing, Corporate Safety and Sustainability, Tata Chemicals Limited, emphasized the company’s unwavering focus on safety. “At Tata Chemicals, safety is a core value embedded across our operations and decision-making processes. This recognition from CII reinforces our commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace. We dedicate this award to our employees and teams whose consistent efforts and vigilance continue to strengthen our EHS culture,” he said.

Driving Continuous Improvement in EHS Standards

Tata Chemicals continues to invest in strengthening its Environment, Health and Safety framework through innovation, process excellence, employee engagement, and adherence to global best practices. By integrating advanced safety measures and sustainable manufacturing principles, the company aims to further enhance operational excellence while safeguarding people, communities, and the environment. As per the press release, the latest recognition from CII reinforces Tata Chemicals’ position as a responsible industry leader committed to achieving the highest standards of workplace safety and environmental stewardship.

Indian manufacturers are investing significantly more in smart manufacturing technologies than their global counterparts, underscoring the country’s accelerating digital transformation journey. According to the latest State of Smart Manufacturing Report by Rockwell Automation, Indian companies are increasingly prioritizing advanced technologies to enhance competitiveness, improve operational efficiency, and future-proof their manufacturing operations. The report indicates that the focus has evolved from merely adopting digital tools to scaling their implementation across enterprises.

Indian Firms Lead in High-Value Technology Investments

The study reveals that Indian manufacturers are allocating substantially higher budgets toward industrial technology investments compared to their global peers. Dilip Sawhney, Managing Director of Rockwell Automation India, said that companies in India within the high-spending category are investing significantly more in smart manufacturing initiatives. “In the high-spending bracket, Indian companies are spending 1.6 times more than the global average,” he noted. The survey measured the percentage of organizational budgets allocated to industrial technology investments and found a stronger commitment among Indian manufacturers to digital modernization and automation.

Global Survey Highlights Manufacturing Trends

The report is based on responses from 1,560 decision-makers across 17 leading manufacturing nations. More than half of the respondents (52%) represented companies generating annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, providing a comprehensive view of global manufacturing investment trends. The findings suggest that Indian manufacturers are moving aggressively to adopt emerging technologies and position themselves as leaders in the next phase of industrial innovation.

AI and Machine Learning Gain Strong Momentum

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are emerging as key drivers of manufacturing transformation in India. According to the report, 88% of Indian manufacturers have already deployed AI and ML technologies within their operations. Currently, 41% of manufacturing processes are AI-augmented, highlighting the growing integration of intelligent systems into production environments. Moreover, this figure is expected to rise steadily, reaching 47% by 2027 and 61% by 2030 as manufacturers expand the use of data-driven decision-making, predictive analytics, and automation technologies.

Technology Helps Address Workforce Challenges

Beyond operational improvements, manufacturers are increasingly leveraging digital technologies to tackle workforce-related challenges. The study found that more than half of Indian companies are using technology to create more engaging and productive job roles. Additionally, 48% of respondents reported using AI and machine learning solutions to bridge labour shortages and skill gaps. As industries face increasing demand for digitally skilled talent, organizations are placing greater emphasis on AI capabilities. In fact, 81% of surveyed manufacturers stated that AI expertise is either a very important or extremely important skill when hiring new employees.

Scaling Smart Manufacturing for Future Growth

The report highlights a clear shift in India’s manufacturing sector toward large-scale adoption of smart manufacturing technologies. With rising investments in automation, AI, machine learning, and digital transformation initiatives, Indian manufacturers are positioning themselves to improve productivity, strengthen resilience, and compete more effectively in the global industrial landscape. As reported by devdiscourse.com, as technology adoption accelerates, the country’s manufacturing sector is expected to play a leading role in shaping the future of Industry 4.0 and intelligent production systems.

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited commenced production of weak nitric acid at its Gadepan facility in Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in the company’s Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) project. The achievement represents an important step in CFCL’s ongoing expansion strategy and advances the development of its integrated technical ammonium nitrate manufacturing complex at Gadepan in Kota district.

Foundation for Downstream Production

The start-up of the Weak Nitric Acid unit forms the foundation of the overall Technical Ammonium Nitrate project. As a key raw material, Weak Nitric Acid is essential for the subsequent production processes within the facility. Building on this successful commissioning, Chambal Fertilisers plans to begin production of ammonium nitrate solution and prilled high-density ammonium nitrate in the next phases of the project. The phased approach will enable the company to progressively ramp up operations and optimize production efficiency.

Sequential Commissioning Progresses as Planned

The Gadepan project is being commissioned in a structured and sequential manner. With Weak Nitric Acid production now underway, the company has achieved a critical operational milestone that paves the way for the commissioning of downstream units. The development demonstrates steady progress in the execution of the technical ammonium nitrate project and reinforces Chambal Fertilisers’ commitment to expanding its presence in the industrial chemicals segment.

Strengthening Industrial Chemicals Portfolio

With the commissioning of the weak nitric acid facility, Chambal Fertilisers moves closer to establishing a fully integrated Technical Ammonium Nitrate production chain at Gadepan. As reported by scanX, once fully operational, the project is expected to strengthen the company’s industrial chemicals portfolio and enhance its ability to serve growing demand from mining, infrastructure, and other industrial sectors.

Corteva Agriscience announced the launch of Mavilon™, an innovative granular insecticide designed to transform rice pest management in India by shifting growers from a reactive approach to a proactive crop protection strategy. Rice remains one of India’s most important food crops and a cornerstone of the country’s agricultural economy. However, rice farmers across the nation continue to battle persistent pest infestations that threaten crop productivity and profitability.

Among the most damaging pests are Brown Planthopper (BPH) and stem borer, which can cause significant crop stress, yield losses, and deterioration in grain quality. Traditionally, many farmers rely on foliar sprays only after visible pest infestation occurs. As a result, crop damage often begins before corrective action can be taken. In addition, labour shortages during peak farming periods and the dependence on favourable weather conditions for spraying create further challenges, making timely pest control difficult.

Proactive Protection with Mavilon™

To overcome these limitations, Corteva has developed Mavilon™ as a preventive crop protection solution. Applied just once between 30 and 35 days after transplanting, the granular insecticide begins protecting rice plants before visible pest damage appears. Its advanced formulation provides up to 60 days of protection against Brown Planthopper (BPH) and up to 15 days of control against stem borer, helping safeguard crops during the most critical stages of growth and yield formation. By targeting pests early, Mavilon™ enables farmers to stay ahead of infestations rather than reacting after damage has already occurred.

Simplifying Farm Operations

Beyond effective pest control, Mavilon™ helps simplify crop management practices. Because it reduces the need for multiple foliar spray applications, farmers can lower operational complexity and minimize last-minute interventions. Fewer spray operations can help reduce dependence on labour availability and weather conditions, providing greater flexibility in field management. As a result, growers can focus on improving crop performance while achieving more consistent and predictable outcomes throughout the season.

Supporting Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture

The introduction of Mavilon™ reinforces Corteva’s commitment to delivering science-based and sustainable crop protection solutions for Indian agriculture. By combining long-lasting pest control with operational convenience, Mavilon™ helps protect crop health, improve productivity, and enhance farmer profitability. As per the press release, the new solution reflects Corteva’s ongoing efforts to support rice growers with innovative technologies that address evolving agricultural challenges and contribute to sustainable farming practices across India.