Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) announced the launch of GRANUVIA, a next-generation, future-ready insecticide in Karnataka to control brown plant hopper in paddy, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. The product is designed to provide long-duration control of brown plant hopper (BPH) for up to 60 days after application. The recommended application window is 30-35 days after transplanting, plus up to two weeks for protection against stem borer (for dead heart management), one of the most damaging pests affecting paddy crops.
Product Features and Application
GRANUVIA is positioned as a future-ready solution for modern rice farming, according to Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer of IIL. The product has been developed by Corteva Agriscience and will be supplied to IIL under its brand name GRANUVIA. It is based on a novel action to control BPH and stem borer, with advanced technology, superior value delivery, proven field performance, and farmer-friendly application.
Pest Threat to Paddy
Pest infestations continue to significantly impact rice productivity across India. According to the source, last year early and prolonged outbreaks of brown plant hopper affected millions of acres across multiple states, forcing farmers to undertake at least two to three rounds of intervention to manage the pest. In severe cases, BPH can lead to yield losses ranging from 20% to 60%.
Similarly, stem borer remains a major yield-limiting pest, typically causing 10% to 30% crop damage. Under severe infestations, losses can be even higher due to the formation of 'dead hearts,' which severely affects plant health and productivity.
Company Statements
Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director of IIL, said, "With rising pest pressure and changing climatic conditions, farmers need reliable and easy-to-use solutions. The launch of GRANUVIA introduces next-generation solution designed to deliver consistent, long-term pest control while improving overall crop health and productivity. Addressing persistent challenges from key pests such as brown plant hopper and stem borer, GRANUVIA provides sustained protection across critical growth stages."
Dushyant Sood added that GRANUVIA is set to strengthen pest management practices and support improved productivity in India’s paddy cultivation.
Yield Loss Comparison
| Pest | Typical Yield Loss | Severe Infestation Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Brown plant hopper | 20% – 60% | Up to 60% |
| Stem borer | 10% – 30% | Higher (dead hearts) |
Implications for Rice Supply
While the launch of GRANUVIA is a product development, it directly addresses threats to rice production in India, a key commodity market. Effective pest control can mitigate yield losses, potentially stabilizing output. Traders and analysts tracking paddy (rice) markets should monitor adoption rates and pest pressure reports in Karnataka and beyond. The product's 60-day control window may reduce the need for multiple applications, lowering input costs for farmers. However, no specific price or volume data for the product was disclosed in the sourced article.
The launch was announced on July 21, 2026, in Karnataka. Further data on field performance and market penetration would be required to quantify the impact on rice supply dynamics.
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