Godrej Agrovet Limited, a prominent player in India’s diversified agri-business sector, has unveiled a new herbicide tailored for maize cultivation. Named Ashitaka and developed in partnership with ISK Japan, this herbicide effectively combats grasses and broad-leaved weeds, which pose significant challenges for maize growers in India. Weeds often become problematic during the early growth phases of maize, and applying Ashitaka at the 2 to 4 leaf weed stage can facilitate effective weed management. Rajavelu NK, CEO of the Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet, stated, “At Godrej Agrovet, our mission is to deliver innovative, research-driven solutions that empower Indian farmers and uplift farming families by future-proofing agriculture against environmental and market challenges.
Effective weed management during the early stages of crop growth is crucial for maize farmers to achieve better productivity. The launch of Ashitaka is a step towards providing farmers in the region a powerful solution to improve yields and enhance profitability.” The herbicide’s efficacy in controlling weeds in maize lessens crop-weed competition, allowing for optimal utilization of limited soil moisture and nutrients, thereby promoting plant health during critical periods such as flowering and grain filling. The suggested application rate is 50 ml per acre, combined with 400 ml per acre of surfactant at the 2 – 4 weed leaf stage, which helps manage weeds early and minimizes yield losses associated with weed pressure, particularly under adverse weather conditions.
This approach leads to more reliable output, improved grain quality, and increased resilience against income fluctuations, especially in rain-fed regions. With the rising demand for maize for livestock feed, industrial applications, and biofuels, Godrej Agrovet has introduced Ashitaka to aid farmers in navigating diverse agro-climatic challenges, supporting continuous supply and mitigating raw material shortages during off-peak seasons.