‘Using quality seeds, pesticides can raise our productivity level’

Hindustan Insecticides Ltd (HIL) was once a company that only produced pesticides. But today, it is strengthening its position in disease vector control, introducing new technology for crop protection and aggressively venturing into the growing seed sector. K Harikumar, HIL’s chairman and managing director is confident about its future. He spoke to HT on a range of issues. Excerpts:

Is HIL transforming itself from a pesticide company to an agriculture input company?

HIL will continue to focus on two agri inputs, pesticides and seeds. It came into being to manufacture various public health insecticides like DDT and Malathion. The company diversified into agro chemicals in the 1980s. The company has now ventured into quality seed production so that farmers can be assured of quality seeds at reasonable prices.

What initiatives have taken in the agro chemical business?

The range of chemicals we manufacture will go up to 12 by the end of 2014-15 and further upto 15 by 2015-16 end. HIL is also actively pursuing diversification into new generation formulations like suspension concentrates and water soluble granules, which are eco-friendly. Our goal is to make these products available for farmers at a reasonable price.

Have you taken any new initiatives in this segment?

HIL, along with the department of chemicals and petrochemicals, has initiated a study to develop a new molecule that can be used as an indoor residual spray which, if successful, can replace DDT. This will be the first ever insecticide invented in India. We are also developing Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) which are currently undergoing tests.

How about your initiatives in the seed sector?

HIL has been recognised as a national level agency for seed production by the ministry of agriculture. We are also collaborating with the Asian Vegetable Research Development Centre, Taiwan to have access to the most elite cultivars in vegetable crops for large-scale seed production.

What is the outlook for the businesses you are in?

We continue to import more than 3 million tonnes of pulses and about 11 million tonnes of edible oil. We believe, India with good agricultural practices, using the right dose of quality pesticides and quality seeds can definitely attain global productivity levels. That will not only help save foreign exchange but will also add to rural prosperity.