Corteva Agriscience launches Novixid herbicide to manage weeds in rice fields

Hyderabad

Corteva Agriscience, a global pure-play agriculture company, launched its Novixid herbicide at an event here on December 13. The day-long event highlighted the importance of weed management to increase productivity and farmer profitability. Novixid was showcased as the technology of the future and was received by the audience well.

Rice growers face many challenges, and weeds present a significant challenge as they compete for the same nutrition and resources as young rice plants need. Novixid rice herbicide’s unique combination of Rinskor active has proven very beneficial in weed management.

The product effectively controls weeds that are tolerant to ALS (Acetolactate synthase)-, ACCase (Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase)- and HPPD (Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase)-inhibiting herbicides as well. It also has a favourable toxicology and ecotoxicology profile which benefits soil health and the environment. This makes Novixid a distinctive product that performs across variable conditions and water management environments effectively. 

Commenting on the results of using Novixid in his field, Manam Srinivas, a farmer from Nalgonda, said, “Weeds are an extremely big problem in my rice fields. There are at least five to six varieties that are hampering the productivity of my crops. With Novixid, I have seen a drastic reduction in weeds. This has also helped increase my yield and my earnings. With Novixid, I have confidence that I’ll earn more and be able to achieve my goals, including buying a car for my family.”

Commenting on the company's commitment to bringing sustainable and innovative agricultural products to India, Ravinder Balain, President - South Asia, Corteva Agriscience, said, "Farmers are looking for modern solutions to address their challenges and improve productivity. Corteva strives to bring the most innovative and sustainable product solutions to the market. With the introduction of Novixid, farmers will be able to effectively overcome the weeds that impede crop productivity. The product’s positive toxicology profile also makes it ideal to retain soil health and enable healthier crop cycles.”

Speaking about the challenges in weed management, Dr VK Choudhary, a renowned scientist in the field of weed science, said, “Herbicide resistance is one of the biggest issues faced by Indian farmers who grow rice. Herbicides with a single mode of action contribute to resistance development, giving rise to the increase in weeds on the crops. However, the use of herbicides with alternate modes of action can manage the resistance issue faced by many. Rinskor active is one of the molecules that may deter resistance development and help with weed management in (the) current scenario.”