Pesticides manufacturers’ association CropLife India elected Gyanendra Shukla, MD and CEO of Rallis India, a TATA Enterprise, as its Chairman. Alongside him, Rajvir Rathi, Head of Agricultural Affairs and Policy at Bayer Crop Science, and Giridhar Ranuva, Business Director of BASF Agricultural Solutions India, will serve as Vice-Chairmen. CropLife India represents seventeen companies involved in crop protection research and development. Together, its member companies account for around 75% of the domestic crop protection market, according to the association.
Shukla Moves from Vice-Chairman to Chairman
Shukla has served as Vice-Chairman of CropLife India since October 2025. He now succeeds Ankur Aggarwal of Crystal Crop Protection, who led the association for two terms beginning in 2024. During his tenure, Aggarwal strengthened CropLife India’s engagement with the government, particularly on the Draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025. Subsequently, at its recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM), the CropLife India Board acknowledged Aggarwal’s contribution. It also thanked former Vice-Chairman Mohan Babu Boppana of Bayer CropScience for his service to the association.
Leadership Brings Extensive Industry Experience
Shukla brings more than 35 years of experience across the crop protection and seeds sectors. His professional experience spans India, the Asia-Pacific region and Africa, providing extensive exposure to the agricultural inputs industry. Meanwhile, Rathi brings more than 20 years of experience in regulatory and government affairs. He has also led CropLife India’s Advocacy & Communications Committee since its formation. Ranuva brings 23 years of industry experience, including 16 years with BASF Agricultural Solutions across different regions. He currently heads BASF Agricultural Solutions’ business in India. As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, with the new leadership team, CropLife India will continue to represent the interests of the crop protection industry while engaging with policymakers and stakeholders on key regulatory and agricultural issues.
