Switzerland-based Syngenta Group, a global company in agricultural technology, has identified India as a key market in its global operations. During his maiden visit to India, company CEO Jeff Rowe emphasized the company’s commitment to transforming Indian agriculture through innovation and skill development, despite facing significant challenges, including bureaucratic delays in regulatory approvals.
A Call for Faster Innovation for Indian Farmers
Rowe expressed concern about India’s slow and bureaucratic regulatory process, which delays the availability of innovative agricultural products for farmers.
“Indian policy related to product approval takes a lot of time. It is very bureaucratic and there is an impact on farmers,” he said, adding that these delays expose farmers to greater risks, especially as climate change continues to intensify agricultural challenges. Rowe urged the government to prioritize modernizing regulatory processes, hoping for the same momentum that has been applied to consumer digitization.
“Indian policy related to product approval takes a lot of time. It is very bureaucratic and there is an impact on farmers.”
While acknowledging the obstacles, Rowe remains optimistic about India’s potential, noting that “the rapid growth of the market is both a challenge and an opportunity.” Syngenta plans to accelerate the introduction of new technologies, particularly in crop protection, biological products, and vegetable seeds, to support farmers in adapting to changing environmental conditions.
I-RISE: Building the Future of Rural India
One of Syngenta’s most significant initiatives in India is the launch of the I-RISE (Inculcating Rural India Skill Enhancement) program. With a goal of training 1 lakh rural youth, this initiative aims to prepare them for agricultural jobs, addressing the shortage of skilled farm workers while also creating employment opportunities for young people. I-RISE focuses on training youth under 35, combining classroom training, internships, and advanced training opportunities to foster entrepreneurship and elevate livelihoods in rural areas. Rowe described the program as a “safety net for rural prosperity,” aligning with Syngenta’s broader goal of enhancing rural economies and curbing migration from villages.
The program’s 3Es approach—Educate, Engage, and Elevate—provides a structured pathway for youth to participate meaningfully in India’s agricultural sector. This initiative supports Syngenta’s long-term vision for empowering rural communities and reinforcing the agricultural workforce.
Driving Innovation Through Climate-Smart Agriculture
During his visit, Rowe participated in field demonstrations showcasing Syngenta’s Climate Smart Agriculture project in Haryana. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability, particularly in regions like Haryana and Punjab, which are grappling with climate change-related challenges, including soil degradation and unsustainable farming practices.
Susheel Kumar, MD & Country Head of Syngenta India, explained that the project focuses on improving soil health and optimizing fertilizer use. For example, farmers in the region have reduced their urea usage by 100 kg per acre, a significant step towards more sustainable farming. Crop residue management is another critical aspect, with technologies like the Happy Seeder eliminating the harmful practice of burning residues—a major contributor to air pollution in northern India.
Innovation and Collaboration: Key to Future Growth
Syngenta’s emphasis on innovation is clear, with plans to introduce 40 new crop protection products over the next 2-3 years. The company is leveraging cutting-edge technologies, including gene editing, to develop solutions for new diseases and crop challenges. “The best is yet to come,” Rowe remarked, signaling the company’s long-term commitment to India.
In terms of competition, Syngenta embraces collaboration. Rowe stated that while they compete vigorously on price and value, they also look for opportunities to innovate alongside competitors like Bayer and Corteva.
Balancing Challenges and Opportunities
Despite India’s price-sensitive market and stiff competition from generic players, Syngenta remains committed to providing farmers with the best innovative products. Rowe acknowledged the pressure on profit margins but advised farmers to make “smart investments” to increase yields and reduce the reliance on chemicals.
While Rowe remains hopeful for an improvement in India’s agricultural operations in the second half of 2024, he cautioned against expecting a “dramatic recovery.” Instead, he envisions steady progress driven by innovation and regulatory improvements.
As the company expands its footprint in India, it continues to balance innovation with the practical realities of one of the world’s most dynamic and challenging agricultural markets.
