22 November2022, New Delhi: In a recent study conducted by the Centre for Environment and Agriculture (CENTEGRO), it was found that out of the top 20 pesticides only 2 remain patented and will go off patent shortly.
The global crop protection chemicals are driven primarily by off-patent / generic pesticides. The hype of new molecules is limited to a few continents and niche crop segments. Generic pesticides account for 70% market share globally and this trend is increasing as their application is recommended for a variety of crops.
Global Top 20 Pesticides
Rank
Active Ingredient
Market Value in 2020 (mn $)
Patent / Off-Patent
1
Glyphosate
5,855
Off-Patent/Generic
2
Chlorantraniliprole
1,643
Patent
3
Azoxystrobin
1,348
Off-Patent/Generic
4
Glufosinate
1,220
Off-Patent/Generic
5
Thiamethoxam
1,201
Off-Patent/Generic
6
Prothioconazole
1,193
Off-Patent/Generic
7
Mancozeb
1,118
Off-Patent/Generic
8
Pyraclostrobin
1,012
Off-Patent/Generic
9
Imidacloprid
925
Off-Patent/Generic
10
2,4-D
920
Off-Patent/Generic
11
Paraquat
850
Off-Patent/Generic
12
Dicamba
700
Off-Patent/Generic
13
Copper Fungicides
700
Off-Patent/Generic
14
Trifloxystrobin
682
Off-Patent/Generic
15
Metolachlor
665
Off-Patent/Generic
16
Lambda-Cyhalothrin
610
Off-Patent/Generic
17
Atrazine
590
Off-Patent/Generic
18
Abamectin
562
Off-Patent/Generic
19
Fipronil
562
Off-Patent/Generic
20
Fluxapyroxad
533
Patent
Source: Phillips McDougall Database (As on 5th July 2022)
These agrochemicals have a high demand in developing countries and are extremely valuable for farmers. The study further found that developing countries account for nearly 80% of the World’s agriculture production ($3720 billion in 2020).
According to Mr. Harish Mehta, Senior Advisor, Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI), “Most of these top 20 molecules are well accepted by the farming community as they are affordable & effective. Not only do they meet the domestic requirement but also account for substantial exports.”
“CCFI members are committed to promoting the Indian Government’s policy of Aatmanibhar Bharat to make India an agrochemical manufacturing hub. Agrochemical as a champion sector is among the few industries with a trade surplus, expected to reach over ₹ 25,000 crores during 2022-23”, mentioned Mr. Mehta.
The surge in imports by importing lobby is a big drain on the exchequer with the substantial foreign exchange going out. We expect the agrochemical imports to cross ₹15,000 crores this fiscal year for molecules that can be manufactured indigenously at a cost that would be 30% – 70% lower. The imported molecules are monopolistic with profit margins as high as over 200%.
Mr. Harish Mehta further clarified that CCFI members have the technical capability and production capacity to not only meet domestic demand but export quality products to over 130 countries matching international specifications.
