UPL-SAS is investing USD 200 million to leverage technology and climate-smart solutions to transform Indian agriculture and address food security and farmers’ challenges.
With 400 million acres under agriculture and 130 million farmers (80-85 percent of whom are smallholders), the company is rethinking its role from a pesticide product distributor to a comprehensive solutions provider. I am.
“Each state has its own agricultural nuances, cropping patterns and cultural nuances,” Dovhar explained, highlighting the complex landscape of Indian agriculture.
After overcoming a difficult period, Doval confidently asserted that “the worst of the industry recession is behind us.”
UPL-SAS, a subsidiary of UPL Ltd, is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to revitalize performance based on key strategic priorities.
These priorities include developing crop protection solutions for emerging pest problems, scaling up climate-smart technologies, investing in biopesticides and biofungicides, exploring agricultural mechanization, and developing artificial intelligence and micro-market strategies. Includes the use of data analysis.
“Climate change and agriculture have become very dynamic. Solutions that worked four years ago may not work in the next four years. …Our approach is to sell crop protection solutions. It’s not just about doing it,” Dobhal said.
“We work to solve farmers’ problems at a granular level.”
He also said it will leverage recent $200 million investments from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), Brookfield and PNG to accelerate innovation in agricultural technology and crop protection solutions.
Dobhar emphasized that the investment is not aimed at short-term profits, but rather “to deeply understand and solve agricultural challenges through data analysis and technological innovation.”
Dobhar said the investment will bring “global expertise in the latest trends in data, analytics and technology usage”, primarily to address new agricultural challenges such as pest outbreaks and water scarcity due to climate change. will focus on.
“We’re working backwards from the problem, rather than investing downwards,” said Dovhar, who said the company’s strategic focus is on leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to develop precise, localized solutions. He emphasized that this is an approach.
A key tool in this strategy is the Nurture Digital platform, which Dobhal describes as a comprehensive solution for farmers. “We can provide crop advice, insurance and machinery information at the push of a button. In the small landholding ecosystem, technology becomes essential. Digital platforms offer unprecedented reach and help farmers and connect effectively 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
The CEO emphasized a balanced approach to agricultural solutions and advocated a mixed strategy of chemical and biological-based interventions.
“You can’t go completely chemical or completely bio…the right approach is a mixed strategy that protects crops while maintaining ecosystem health,” he said.
Mr Dobhar identified key trends in agricultural restructuring and said the challenges of the past year had prompted significant reflection and innovation across the sector. Key emerging trends include increased focus on sustainable agriculture, development of climate-smart farming practices, and innovative approaches to supply chain challenges in India’s tier 2, 3, and 4 cities. solutions and technological interventions to improve market reach.
“The pressures of the past year have changed the way businesses think. We are seeing a wave of innovation aimed at solving agriculture’s fundamental challenges.”
UPL SAS moves away from traditional market competition and promotes a collaborative approach. “Agriculture is very dynamic today,” Doval says.
“Instead of looking at people as competitors, we are seeing a lot of new talent coming into the market in areas such as technology, new products, agricultural ecosystems, advice and supply chain optimization. ”
This ‘open eye philosophy’ reflects a more holistic approach to innovation, prioritizing partnerships with emerging agricultural technology talent over direct competition.
Having operated in India for over 50 years, UPL SAS views the country as an important market with immense potential. “This is a big market with a lot of room to contribute.”
The company’s core mission is to solve food security, which remains the “biggest challenge” facing global agriculture. The end goal is clear. It is about increasing farm productivity, improving crop quality, and ensuring food security at home and abroad.
On the important issue of data protection in agricultural innovation, Dovhar advocated a balanced approach.
“We must encourage inventors while ensuring solutions reach farmers,” Dobhar said, highlighting the company’s commitment to both innovation and accessibility.
UPL aims to gradually expand its presence in India’s fragmented agricultural landscape with its strong local brand and innovative digital platform.
“We have a good brand name in the local market, which provides some insulation against global pressures,” he said.
“We remain focused on delivering the right quality to farmers and passing on cost improvements.” Despite the challenges, Doval remains optimistic about the outlook for the agriculture sector.
“This industry continues to grow because we have to feed 7 billion people on the planet,” he concluded, adding that agricultural innovation is critical to meeting global food security challenges. It reflected that.
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