Godrej Agrovet Limited, one of India’s leading diversified agri-business companies, on Friday launched TAKAI, a new multi-crop insecticide aimed at strengthening pest management and boosting farm productivity in West Bengal. Powered by CyclaprynTM technology developed by ISK Japan, TAKAI provides quick feeding cessation and long-lasting control against key lepidopteran pests, commonly known as caterpillar-type insects. The company has received label approval for use in rice, maize, chickpea and soybean, while approvals for cabbage and chilli are awaited. In West Bengal, often referred to as the “Rice Bowl of India” with nearly 15 million tonnes of annual rice production, pests such as yellow stem borer and leaf folder cause 20–40% yield losses in rice during severe outbreaks. Maize faces 25–30% damage from fall armyworm, rising to 60–65% in extreme cases, while soybean and vegetables record 15–30% losses due to similar infestations.
N.K. Rajavelu, CEO – Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet, said effective pest management is crucial for improving crop health and stabilising farmer incomes. He said TAKAI will help farmers optimise input costs and secure higher-quality yields through timely intervention.
For rice, TAKAI is recommended at 160 ml during 15–30 days after transplanting and again at 40–60 DAT. A single 160 ml dose is advised for other crops. With this launch, following last year’s maize herbicide ASHITAKA, the company aims to build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.