Godrej Agrovet launches ‘Ashitaka’ herbicide for maize, ensuring early-stage weed control, improved yields, better grain quality, and enhanced farmer profitability.
Godrej Agrovet Limited, one of India’s leading diversified agri-business companies, has announced the launch of its latest crop protection product—‘Ashitaka,’ a herbicide specially formulated for maize crops. Developed in collaboration with ISK Japan, Ashitaka is designed to address one of the most persistent challenges in maize farming—effective management of both grassy and broad-leaved weeds.
Weed infestation, particularly in the early stages of maize cultivation, poses a significant threat to crop productivity in India. The presence of weeds during the critical growth phase reduces access to essential nutrients, soil moisture, and sunlight, thereby hampering plant development and yield potential. Ashitaka, when applied between the 2- to 4-leaf stage of weeds, has been scientifically designed to control this problem effectively.
Speaking at the launch, Rajavelu N.K., CEO of Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet, highlighted the company’s vision of empowering Indian farmers with research-driven solutions. He emphasized that the introduction of Ashitaka represents a milestone in maize crop protection. “At Godrej Agrovet, our mission is to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that not only support higher yields but also strengthen the livelihoods of farming families. Weed management at the early stage of growth is vital for ensuring maize productivity, and Ashitaka is the first of its kind in India to provide farmers with such a comprehensive tool,” he said.
Adding to this, Anil Choubey, General Manager of Marketing for Crop Protection Business at Godrej Agrovet, underlined Ashitaka’s unique benefits. He explained that the herbicide minimizes competition between maize crops and weeds, ensuring better utilization of limited resources like soil moisture and nutrients. This support is particularly crucial during sensitive growth stages such as flowering and grain filling. The recommended dosage—50 ml per acre, combined with 400 ml per acre of surfactant at the 2–4 leaf stage—ensures that weeds are tackled early. This not only prevents significant yield losses but also enhances consistency in output, even under conditions of weather-related stress.
Furthermore, the herbicide contributes to improved grain quality and acts as a safeguard against income volatility, especially in rain-fed regions where unpredictable weather can exacerbate weed-related problems.
Initially introduced in key maize-growing regions such as Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Ashitaka will soon be made available across other maize-producing states in India. With this launch, Godrej Agrovet aims to strengthen its role in future-proofing Indian agriculture by equipping farmers with solutions that enhance productivity, profitability, and resilience in an increasingly challenging farming environment.
