PMFAI's 57th Annual Meeting Addresses Agrochemical Transformation, Export Growth, and Patent Wins
The PMFAI’s 57th Annual Meeting highlighted India’s agrochemical sector transformation, emphasizing indigenous production and export expansion. President Pradip Dave addressed challenges from climate change and global competition. Presentations covered Natco Pharma's landmark patent victory against Roche, boosting generic manufacturers, and Australia's agricultural landscape, noting India's growing role in crop protection exports due to quality and price competitiveness.
The 57th Annual General Meeting of the Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI), held in Mumbai on December 5, 2025, convened industry executives to discuss critical challenges and opportunities. PMFAI President Mr. Pradip Dave underscored the significant transformation facing the Indian agrochemical industry, driven by evolving pest dynamics, changing crop practices influenced by climate change, and a recent decline in exports due to global inventory adjustments and aggressive pricing from China. Dave stressed the imperative for India to achieve self-reliance by maximizing indigenous production of Technical Grade Pesticides and crucial Intermediates through backward integration, aiming to position India as a major global sourcing hub. The strategy involves significantly expanding exports to high-demand regions like the US, Brazil, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa.A key highlight was the presentation by Advocates Mr. Ashish Kothari and Ms. Isha Tyagi on Natco Pharma’s legal victory against Roche AG in the Risdiplam patent case. This landmark ruling by the Delhi High Court challenged patent ever-greening through minor modifications, offering a significant legal precedent and boost for generic companies in both the pharmaceutical and agrochemical sectors. Additionally, Dr. Bill Crabtree of 4Farmers Australia provided an overview of Australian agriculture, its adoption of new technologies, the agrochemical market, and the role of its regulator (APVMA). He noted the increasing presence and appeal of Indian suppliers in Australia due to their reliable quality, consistent supply, price competitiveness, cultural connection, and strong English language proficiency. These discussions collectively painted a picture of an industry navigating global shifts, striving for self-sufficiency, and asserting its position in the international market.
