Tropical Agro, an agro-input innovator based in Chennai, has launched a patented granular insecticide designed to target two of the most destructive pests in paddy cultivation—stem borer and leaf folder. Branded as Tag Stem Lee, the revolutionary product combines three active ingredients to offer a first-of-its-kind solution that promises to boost rice productivity and protect farmer livelihoods.
Tackling Major Yield Killers
Stem borer and leaf folder infestations have long plagued rice farmers across India. The rice stem borer, for example, can reduce yields by 10 to 40%. The most severe damage appears as “Dead Heart” during the vegetative phase and “White Earhead” during the reproductive stage.
Research shows that even a 1% incidence of Dead Heart can lead to a 0.3% drop in yield—equivalent to about 12 kg per hectare. Likewise, a 1% occurrence of White Earhead can slash yield by 4.2%, or roughly 183 kg per hectare. Similarly, rice leaf folder attacks can cut yields by a staggering 30 to 80%, underlining the urgent need for advanced pest control measures.
A Triple-Action Breakthrough for Sustainable Farming
Tag Stem Lee directly addresses this challenge with its dual-action, triple-protection formula. It targets and eliminates key symptoms like Dead Heart and White Earhead, offering farmers long-lasting protection with minimal environmental footprint.
The insecticide is easy to apply. It can be mixed with farmyard manure or sand and broadcast across fields. This makes it suitable for broad usage during both kharif and rabi seasons.
More Innovations Ahead
VK Jhaver, Founder of Tropical Agrosystem (India) Pvt Ltd, said, “This patented innovation is only the beginning.” He added, “Many more transformative solutions are in the pipeline.” He also explained that the name Tag Stem Lee was chosen to reflect the product’s powerful, targeted action against stem borer and leaf folder. The name effectively captures the product’s purpose and impact.
Strong Market Potential
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, R. Shanmuga Sai, Vice President – Sales at Tropical Agro, expressed confidence in the product’s potential to significantly enhance farmer outcomes, especially in India’s rice-producing regions.
