Corteva Agriscience is intensifying its focus on biological crop solutions in India as farmers confront rising climate-related challenges and increasing pest resistance. The company believes that products derived from natural sources—such as biocontrol agents and biostimulants—will become central to crop protection strategies in the coming decade.
During her recent visit to India, Brook Cunningham, Corteva’s President for the Asia–Pacific region, highlighted that India has emerged as one of the most promising markets for biologicals. She noted that government initiatives promoting natural farming, along with greater acceptance of gene-editing and sustainable agri-technologies, are accelerating this shift.
According to Cunningham, climate change has changed the crop protection landscape dramatically. Faster pest migration, unexpected outbreaks, frequent droughts, and extreme weather events are forcing farmers to look beyond conventional chemical solutions. Biostimulants—which support plant growth, nutrient uptake, and stress tolerance—are increasingly viewed as essential tools to build resilience from the soil upward.
Cunningham emphasized that biologicals are not intended to replace traditional chemistry entirely. Instead, they form an important part of integrated pest management. While chemical solutions still play a significant role in preventing major yield losses, biological technologies offer eco-friendly support to slow resistance build-up and improve long-term sustainability.
India’s role in Corteva’s global strategy is expanding rapidly. With 150 million small and marginal farmers cultivating some of the world’s most productive agricultural land, the country represents a major opportunity for deploying innovations that can increase yields and strengthen food security. Corteva’s global experience shows that biologicals can enhance productivity by 15–20 percent in smaller farms without increasing input costs.
Corteva aims to contribute meaningfully to its global operating EBITDA goal of USD 4.1 billion by 2026, and India is expected to be a key driver. The company already generates ₹1,500–2,000 crore in revenue in the country and maintains two major research centres in Telangana that support innovations in seed development, biologicals, and crop protection.
A major component of the biologicals strategy involves partnerships. Cunningham explained that although Corteva invests nearly USD 1.4 billion annually in research and development—including extensive use of artificial intelligence—collaboration with Indian innovators remains crucial. The company is working with local firms through distribution agreements, equity investments, technology sharing, and joint ventures to accelerate market readiness.
Despite India’s enormous potential, regulatory delays remain a major concern. Approvals under the Fertiliser Control Order are often slower than in countries like Australia, placing constraints on how quickly new products can reach farmers. Cunningham stressed the need for clear, predictable, science-based regulatory systems to support long-term investment in biological technologies.
Corteva’s broader approach includes the development of climate-tolerant seed varieties in crops such as corn, mustard, rice, and millets. By combining hybrid seeds, chemical crop protection, and biological solutions, the company aims to help farmers increase income by 20–30 percent while keeping production costs manageable.
Cunningham, who took over Corteva’s Asia-Pacific leadership in mid-2025, has spent considerable time in India understanding the ground realities. She believes the nation is at a transformative moment: with a growing population, climate pressures, and rapidly evolving pest threats, advanced agricultural technologies are no longer optional—they are essential.
Corteva sees biologicals as the foundation of its next phase of growth in India, helping farmers achieve higher productivity, greater resilience, and improved sustainability in the coming years.
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