Godrej Agrovet Limited (GAVL), one of India’s leading diversified agri-businesses, has announced the launch of ‘Ashitaka’, a new herbicide developed in collaboration with ISK Japan, specifically for maize cultivation. The product addresses a major challenge for maize farmers by providing effective control over grasses and broad-leaved weeds, especially during the early growth stages when weed infestation significantly impacts yield.
Applied at the 2–4 weed leaf stage, Ashitaka helps reduce crop-weed competition, ensuring better utilization of soil moisture and nutrients, thereby improving plant health and productivity.
India is the 4th largest country in maize acreage and 5th in annual production globally. Rising demand for animal feed, starch, industrial products, and biofuels has pushed maize consumption higher, but the crop faces challenges including poor access to quality inputs, climate change, and pest threats. Research-led solutions like Ashitaka are seen as vital for enhancing yields and ensuring long-term crop resilience.
Commenting on the launch, Rajavelu N.K., CEO – Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet, said:
“At Godrej Agrovet, our goal is to empower farmers with innovative, research-driven solutions that improve productivity and safeguard agriculture against environmental and market challenges. Ashitaka, the first-of-its-kind in India, will help maize farmers achieve higher yields and profitability through effective weed management.”
Adding to this, Anil Choubey, GM – Marketing, Crop Protection Business, said:
“Ashitaka ensures effective weed control, particularly during critical crop stages such as flowering and grain filling. The recommended dosage of 50 ml/acre with 400 ml/acre of surfactant at the 2–4 weed leaf stage reduces weed-related yield losses, improves grain quality, and helps farmers mitigate risks of income volatility, especially in rain-fed regions.”
Initially launched in Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, Ashitaka will be rolled out across all major maize-growing states in the coming months.