Cheminova plans to launch new pesticides
OUR CORPORATE BUREAU
CALCUTTA, December 29: Cheminova Agro A/S of Denmark -- which recently acquired Lupin Agrochemicals entire assets -- proposes to introduce three new pesticides in the Indian market -- methyl parathion, glyphosates and dimethoate. This was revealed by Cheminova India (the new hame of Lupin Agro) managing director RS Vaid.Vaid said, glyphosates was one of Cheminova's major products and the leading herbicide in terms of global sales. It is effective in controlling weeds in tea and grapes cultivation. The other two products - methyl parathion and dimethoates - would be effective in protecting cotton, rice and vegetables. Explaining the rationale behind the takeover, Vaid said both Lupin Agro and Cheminova shared a lot of common products in the organophosphates segment used in crop protection. "Of the total Rs 2,500 crore pesticides market in India, cotton accounts for nearly 60 per cent. This market is growing at the rate of 10 per cent per annum." He added that Cheminova intended to make India its second
largest base for exports. The acquisition of the Indian plant will give it ready capacities for monocrotophos, chlorpyriphos, DDVP, quinalphos, phosphamidon, acephate among others. A new 2000 tpa trimethyl phosphite plant, estimated to cost Rs 20 crore, at Panoli in Gujarat, is expected to begin production in January 1998. According to Vaid, Cheminova India already has 10 million litre capacities for formulations and another 2000 tpa for intermediates. The immediate priorities of the company includes establishing pilot plant facilities for process development, upgrading R&D facilities at Panoli and then integrating the same with the parent's worldwide network, and improving safety and anti-pollution measures at the manufacturing sites. Vaid said Cheminova has already indicated its willingness to install solvent recovery plants for higher process efficiencies and lesser pollution.Lupin Agro, which has a five per cent marketshare with an annual sales turnover of Rs 150 crore (1996-97), has a sales and
distribution network of 23 depots, 1,500 distributors and 30,000 retailers in the country.
Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
|
