PI Industries launches Pioxaniliprole—India’s first indigenously discovered insecticide molecule

Gurugram-based PI Industries has launched Pioxaniliprole, which it says is India's first indigenously discovered insecticide molecule, in the domestic market.

The insecticide has been approved for use against specific pests across four crops — rice, chilli, tomato and Bengal gram. In rice, it targets Yellow Stem Borer, Leaf Folder and Fall Armyworm. In chilli, it is effective against Fruit Borer and Tobacco Caterpillar, while its approved uses in tomato and Bengal gram include control of Fruit Borer and Pod Borer, respectively.

PI Industries, one of the world's five largest agrochemical custom synthesis and manufacturing (CSM) companies, developed the molecule following more than a decade of research and investment.

Pioxaniliprole has been registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The committee has formally recognised it as the first insecticide active ingredient discovered in India.

The molecule underwent field trials and scientific assessments under Indian agricultural conditions, along with regulatory studies involving participants from the country's agricultural research ecosystem, including State Agricultural Universities.

“More than a decade ago, we set out to build the capability to discover original crop-protection in India. It required the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, substantial long-term investment and the conviction to pursue what had never been achieved before,” Mayank Singhal, vice-chairperson and managing director of PI Industries, said.

“Today, Pioxaniliprole demonstrates what is possible when our deep understanding of Indian agriculture meets world-class science. It is a proud moment for PI and for Indian agricultural innovation,” Singhal said.

He added that the achievement strengthens the company's ambition to build a global, innovation-led life sciences business by developing original science and intellectual property in India for global markets.

PI Industries chairperson Narayan K. Seshadri said the molecule would provide a foundation for future discoveries and support the company's efforts to expand indigenous research capabilities and develop technologies for global agriculture.

Pioxaniliprole will be marketed to farmers under the brand name Pioxazon. The launch also aligns with the government's push to promote domestic research and development and indigenous technologies for Indian agriculture.