IFC invests in Crystal Crop Protection to Fund Growth in Affordable Green Crop Solutions
03 November 2022, New Delhi: In a recent announcement, agrochemical company Crystal Crop Protection declared investment of Rs. 300 Cr (approx.US$37 Mn) by IFC and IFC Emerging Asia Fund (EAF).
The IFC Emerging Asia Fund, launched in 2016, makes equity and equity-like investments across all sectors in emerging markets in Asia alongside IFC.
The financing package will support Crystal’s growth plans, enabling it to focus on innovation and strengthening its research and development (R&D) capacity. Improved R&D ability will support the Indian agrochemical industry to align itself with environmentally friendly global market trends.
Ernst & Young LLP acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Crystal on transaction.
Mr. Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director, Crystal Crop Protection Limited, said, “This investment will further consolidate the company’s position in the Indian market and strengthen its commitment toward sustainable crop solutions to increase farm profitability of Indian farmers by leveraging R&D and technology. We remain committed to the highest standards of environmental, health and safety guidelines, and governance in all our operations.”
Commenting on IFC’s investment, Wendy Werner, India Country Head at IFC, said: “As India emerges from the COVID-19 crisis, the agriculture sector remains critical to green recovery. IFC’s investment will help improve access to sustainable, tailor-made agri-solutions benefiting millions of farmers.” “Strengthening climate smart agribusiness is at the heart of our development mission in the country. We are confident this investment will bolster supply chains, encourage future investors and promote resilience in the sector,” she added.
The investment will also help the company improve its IT infrastructure and automation in its plants. Going forward, Crystal aims to grow double digit in crop protection chemicals and seeds by funding working capital requirements. The company recently launched a new business in agrochemical retail, Saffire Crop Science, which will leverage technology to promote crops solutions and services, allowing farmers to access them more efficiently.
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