PI Industries Unveils Pioxaniliprole, India's First Indigenously Discovered Insecticide Molecule

Agrochemical company PI Industries has unveiled Pioxaniliprole, which it describes as India's first indigenously discovered insecticide molecule, marking a significant milestone for the country's agricultural research and crop protection industry.

The insecticide can help control fall armyworm, a major pest that damages maize. In addition to maize, Pioxaniliprole is also expected to be effective against certain pests affecting crops such as paddy and chillies.

Announced in New Delhi on Thursday, the discovery is the outcome of more than a decade of research, investment and scientific development by the company. The molecule has received registration from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB&RC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The committee has formally recognised it as the first insecticide active ingredient discovered in India, the company said in a press release. 

According to PI Industries, Pioxaniliprole has been developed to international scientific standards and extensively evaluated under Indian agricultural conditions. Its assessment included multi-location field trials, scientific evaluations and regulatory studies, with participation from India's agricultural research ecosystem, including State Agricultural Universities.

Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of PI Industries, said the company had embarked on developing indigenous crop protection discovery capabilities more than a decade ago, requiring substantial long-term investment and sustained scientific commitment.

"Today, Pioxaniliprole demonstrates what is possible when our deep understanding of Indian agriculture meets world-class science. It is a proud moment for PI and for Indian agricultural innovation," Singhal said. He added that the achievement would strengthen the company's ambition to build a global, innovation-led life sciences business by developing original scientific discoveries and intellectual property in India for global markets.

Expanding Indigenous Research Capabilities

The discovery reflects PI Industries' investments in an integrated research and development ecosystem covering molecular discovery, chemistry, biology, formulation science, toxicology, agronomy, process development and manufacturing. With over 700 scientists, more than 200 PhDs and a portfolio of over 260 patents, PI has built the scientific depth and infrastructure to advance original discoveries through development and commercialisation.

Narayan K. Seshadri, Chairperson of PI Industries, said, "Pioxaniliprole represents an important milestone in the evolution of Indian agricultural science. Breakthrough innovation requires the ability to think beyond established boundaries, backed by scientific capabilities, patient investment and long-term commitment. For PI Industries, Pioxaniliprole represents an important foundation for the next generation of discoveries. It reinforces the company's commitment to building a sustained innovation pipeline, advancing indigenous research capabilities and developing differentiated technologies for global agriculture.”

Beyond the development of a new insecticide molecule, the achievement is expected to strengthen India's indigenous research ecosystem and its ability to develop proprietary agricultural technologies with global applications.