

Corporate Identity Serving Diverse Industries Purpose and Values Overview by the Chairman Operational Highlights Financial Analysis Research and Technology
Safety, HealthandEnvironment Serving the Society Directors’ Report
Management Discussion andAnalysis
Report on Corporate Governance Financial Statements
Products
Herbicides, Fungicides and others
2009-10
2008-09
% change
Revenues (Rs Crores)
247
251
-2
Share in total revenues (%)
21
21
-
The Division mainly manufactures herbicides, fungicides
and other similar products used by Agriculture industry for
protection of crops and markets mainly in bulk, but also in
its own brands. Bulk sales in domestic grew by 14% whereas
in exports, it reduced by 14%. Brand sales which are only in
India did not grow during the year and remained unchanged
at Rs 58 crores. Exports accounted for 51% of its revenues.
The world market for crop protection chemicals is estimated
to be USD44 bn which declined by 6% during the year and
that for seeds is estimated to be USD30 bn which grew at
an average of about 5%. Indian market is estimated to be
USD1 bn which declined by 9% during the year and that
for seeds is estimated to be USD1 bn which grew at an
average of about 7%. There are 20 multinational companies
and 40 Indian companies engaged in this business though
generally it is the multinational companies which dominate
the marketplace across the world.
The demand for crop protection chemicals will remain
strong with the need to increase the output of crops, and
the Division will be able to participate in this growth. It will
be possible for the Division to manufacture generic products
in a cost effective way. Floods | famines will adversely affect
the demand. It is essential to take adequate care while
manufacturing and using these products which may be
toxic. Registration costs for new products are high.
The Division will de-bottleneck its manufacturing capacities in
selected products to maintain and strengthen its leadership,
further improve its manufacturing efficiencies to significantly
reduce effluent load and also improve its cost position,
introduce new products and broaden its market reach in
India and countries in South America. It will strengthen its
cooperation with other companies to manufacture such
chemicals to further grow its business.
Crop Protection