Digital Farming Driving Innovation in the Agrochemical Sector

In an exclusive interview with The Industry Outlook Magazine, Ashish Dobhal, CEO of UPL SAS touches upon the key growth drivers in the present day agro-chemical sector. He also touches upon the rise in digital farming which is improving the quality of modern agriculture. He has over 17 years of experience in the agro-chemical sector having worked in numerous regions across Asia and has track record of delivering on challenging situations.

According to him, the incorporation of digital farming in Agrochemicals has,

- Allowed leveraging of satellite data to make critical agricultural decisions.

- Utilized previously underutilized data and organizing it.

- Developed safer formulations compared to its predecessors.

- Enabled digital traceability for the conscious consumer.

What are the current growth drivers in the global agrochemical industry, particularly in the pesticides and fertilizers segment? How have geopolitical factors (e.g., trade wars and import/export policies) impacted the agrochemical market in recent years?

Climate Change Alleviation: The abnormality of weather patterns over the past few years like irregular rainfall, extreme temperatures has heightened the need for climate-resilient solutions. The agrochemical industry is countering this phenomenon with climate-smart products that help farmers maintain yield and quality despite these challenges. This segment is slated to be a major driver of growth.

Expansion of Biofuel Crops: Corn cultivation has taken precedence, primarily as a raw material for biofuel production. Although this presents an opportunity for farmers and the agrochemical sector, on the other hand it raises food security concerns, as fertile land used for food crops may shift to fuel production. This double impact makes efficient and high-yield farming methods all the more critical.

Rising Demand for Protein-Rich Foods: Thanks to higher purchasing power, consumers are gravitating towards high-protein diets and nutritious foods. This drift has driven the need of advanced farming techniques beyond conventional crops like wheat and rice, thus leading to greater acceptance of agricultural technology, fertilizers, and agrochemicals for precision farming.

As land availability plummets and the population soars, precision agriculture, biotech solutions, and AI-driven farming methods will take center stage. The industry must adapt rapidly to these shifts to ensure food security while balancing economic and environmental concerns.

How are digital farming tools (e.g., precision agriculture, drones, AI) reshaping pesticide and fertilizer applications?

Currently, a lot of technologies are converging. High-quality precision data from satellites is in abundance and is used for making critical decisions with respect to managing crops and the right application of agrochemicals. The performance of drones across all metrics has been improving with every passing day.

Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are also playing a crucial role in modern agriculture. For years, vast amounts of farming data have been collected but remained underutilized. Today, AI-driven models can analyze this data to generate actionable insights, helping farmers optimize planting and harvesting schedules, predict disease outbreaks, and even automate decision-making processes. This not only improves crop yields but also minimizes resource wastage.

Another significant shift in the industry is the increasing demand for digital traceability in food production. Consumers today want to know where their food comes from, what pesticides or fertilizers were used, and whether it meets safety and sustainability standards. Blockchain technology and digital record-keeping systems are being integrated into agriculture to provide full transparency, ensuring that food products meet regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

What advancements in R&D are driving the development of next-generation agrochemicals? How are nanotechnology and biotechnology being incorporated into the development of pesticides and fertilizers?

Over the past 8–10 years, the world has witnessed a significant transformation in agrochemicals. One of the most notable advancements is the development of highly effective chemicals that require significantly lower doses. In the early 2000s, standard application rates ranged from half a liter to several kilograms per acre. Today, newer formulations can achieve the same or even better results with as little as 10–30 grams per acre. This shift not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the overall chemical load on the environment. 

Another major breakthrough lies in formulation technology. Modern formulations are far safer than their predecessors, with a strong emphasis on water-based solutions that spread efficiently and remain effective even after exposure to rain. These innovations ensure that farmers can apply agrochemicals with greater precision and confidence, minimizing the risk of environmental contamination. Furthermore, packaging materials have also evolved to be more environmentally friendly, with biodegradable and safer alternatives replacing conventional plastic-based containers. 

Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology are set to revolutionize agriculture even further. While nanotechnology is still in the early stages of widespread adoption, it has already demonstrated its potential to dramatically reduce dosage requirements by improving coverage and absorption efficiency. This means that, in the near future, farmers may only need minute quantities of agrochemicals to achieve optimal pest and disease control. Meanwhile, biotechnology is playing a crucial role in enhancing crop resilience. Advances in genetic engineering are enabling the development of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and abiotic stresses such as extreme temperatures, drought, and excessive rainfall. 

What role do agri-retailers play in bridging the gap between agrochemical companies and farmers, and how can they enhance value delivery through innovative customer engagement strategies?

Agri retailers play a crucial role in the agricultural ecosystem. These local businessmen, often deeply embedded in their communities, serve as trusted advisors to farmers. Their importance extends beyond simply distributing agrochemicals and fertilizers, they are main facilitators of knowledge transfer. Positioned at the heart of villages and rural neighborhoods, they ensure that farmers receive the latest information on innovative farming techniques, product applications, and optimal usage practices.

With nearly 400,000 agri retailers in India, their contribution to bridging the knowledge gap between agricultural advancements and farmers is invaluable. In many cases, they function as extension service providers, educating farmers in the absence of widespread technological interventions. While digital solutions and agri-tech platforms are gradually transforming agriculture, these retailers have been serving as the backbone of knowledge dissemination for years.