An innovative solution for controlling grasses and broad-leaved weeds, developed in collaboration with ISK Japan

Mumbai/Hyderabad/Bengaluru : Godrej Agrovet Limited (Godrej Agrovet), one of India’s leading diversified agri-businesses, has launched a new herbicide specifically designed for Maize crops. ‘Ashitaka,’ developed in collaboration with ISK Japan, is an innovative solution that provides effective control over grasses and broad-leaved weeds which is a major challenge faced by maize farmers in India. Weed infestation particularly during the initial growth phases , significantly impact Maize productivity. When applied at the 2 – 4 weed leaf stage, Ashitaka offers effective weed control. 

Globally, India ranks 4th in terms of acreage and 5th in terms of annual maize production.  With the country’s growing economy and expanding middle class fueling the demand for animal protein, starch and other industrial products that consume maize, over the years, the country has witnessed increase in demand for maize for livestock feed, industrial and biofuel use. However, the sector also faces significant challenges, including limited access to quality seeds and inputs which hinder growth. Climate change poses an additional threat, with its potential to disrupt maize production through extreme weather events, changing rainfall patterns, and increased incidence of pests and diseases. It therefore becomes crucial to bring research driven solutions like Ashitaka to further boost the yield of the crop and maintain its significance.

Speaking on the launch, Rajavelu NK, CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet said, “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, a first-of-its-kind in India, is a step toward providing farmers with a powerful solution to improve yields and enhance profitability.”

Anil Choubey, GM – Marketing, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet added, ““Ashitaka’s effective weed control in maize reduces crop-weed competition, enabling better use of limited soil moisture and nutrients, and supporting plant health during critical stages like flowering and grain filling. The recommended dosage – 50 ml/acre with 400 ml/acre of surfactant at the 2 – 4 weed leaf stage, helps in controlling the weeds early and also aids in the reduction of weed-related yield losses, which are known to worsen under weather stress. This results in more consistent output, better grain quality, and a strong hedge against income volatility, particularly in rain-fed areas.”

Launched in key maize growing areas of Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to begin with, Godrej Agrovet intends to launch Ashitaka across all maize growing states in the coming months.