In a historic moment for Indian agricultural science, PI Industries today unveiled Pioxaniliprole, India’s first indigenously discovered insecticide molecule, developed through more than a decade of original research, sustained investment and scientific innovation.
The achievement marks a defining milestone for PI and India’s crop-protection industry. Pioxaniliprole demonstrates the country’s growing capability to originate novel scientific discoveries and create proprietary intellectual property.
India is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse agricultural ecosystems, spanning a wide range of crops, agro-climatic conditions and evolving pest pressures. For over eight decades, PI has worked alongside Indian agricultural universities and scientists, building a deep understanding of these complexities through generations of engagement with farmers.
Pioxaniliprole brings together this understanding of Indian farming realities with PI’s advanced scientific discovery capabilities. Developed to global scientific standards, the molecule has undergone extensive evaluation under Indian agricultural conditions, including multi location field trials, scientific assessments and regulatory studies, with participation from India’s agricultural research ecosystem, including State Agricultural Universities.
Pioxaniliprole has received registration from the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The Committee formally recognised it as the first insecticide active ingredient discovered in India.
Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairperson & Managing Director, PI Industries, said, “More than a decade ago, we set out to build the capability to discover original crop-protection in India. It required the courage to challenge conventional wisdom, substantial long-term investment and the conviction to pursue what had never been achieved before.
Pioxaniliprole demonstrates what is possible when our deep understanding of Indian agriculture meets world-class science. This achievement strengthens our ambition to build a global, innovation-led Life Sciences company, creating original science and intellectual property from India for the world.”
The discovery reflects PI’s long-term investment in an integrated research and development ecosystem spanning 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.
The significance of Pioxaniliprole extends beyond a single molecule. It is the first outcome of a broader innovation pipeline at PI, spanning chemistry, biology and biochemical solutions. Together, these mark an important step in India’s journey towards greater scientific self-reliance, strengthening indigenous research capabilities and creating opportunities for Indian-origin agricultural innovation to address challenges of global relevance.
Narayan K. Seshadri, Chairperson, 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.”
