Crystal Crop Protection Limited acquires Syngenta’s Indian sorghum, pearl millet and fodder seeds business

Crystal Crop Protection Limited (“Crystal” or “the Company”), one of the research and development based crop protection manufacturing and marketing companies in India, has strengthened its seeds portfolio by acquiring the undertaking pertaining exclusively to certain seeds from Syngenta India Limited (“Syngenta”). With an aim to further generate value for stakeholders, the Company has acquired Indian grain sorghum, fodder sorghum (SSG) and pearl millet seeds business (including their germplasms, plant variety protection applications and registrations and market authorizations) from Syngenta. The acquired seed brands viz. Mahalaxmi (Sorghum), Atheeva (Pearl Millet) and SX-17 (SSG) seed brands are market leaders in respective categories. This acquisition comes with a world class R&D, designed to bring the best seeds on a continuous basis through its breeding program.

Syngenta is an established name among Indian farmers for its highest quality seeds known for improving yield and quality output. Indigenous research, well equipped seed testing labs and expert breeder have made Syngenta seeds a preferred choice for Indian farmers. This acquisition from Syngenta will enhance Crystal’s penetration in the Indian grain sorghum, pearl millet and fodder seeds business in India.

Commenting on the acquisition, Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of the Company, We believe in taking technology, innovation and manufacturing to the next level. With acquisition of seeds from Syngenta, we will strengthen our seed portfolio.”

Recently, in fiscal 2018, Crystal acquired a speciality chemicals plant from Cytec India Specialty Chemicals & Materials Pvt Limited, an Indian unit of Belgian chemicals firm Solvay SA.

Agro-Chemicals company, Crystal has made a number of acquisitions in past few years. Crystal signed an agreement with Germany’s BASF SE in 2016 to acquire fungicide brand – Bavistin. Crystal Crop Protection Limited also acquired Hyderabad based company Rohini-Seeds Private Limited and Rohini Bioseeds and Agritech Private Limited in 2011 which has brought its presence in the agricultural inputs market.

These acquisitions are part of Crystal’s strategy to add value to its business and ensure growth for all its stakeholder.

About Crystal Crop Protection Limited:

Crystal Crop Protection Limited (“Crystal or the Company”) is a R&D based crop protection manufacturing and marketing company. The Company’s products cater to the entire lifecycle of crops, from sowing to harvesting.

The Company is guided by, Mr. Nand Kishore Aggarwal, honorable Chairman. With more than 23 years of dedication and hard work, the Company has achieved major milestones.

To provide innovative, comprehensive, long term solutions to farmers to increase crop productivity through sustainable practices and procedures, the Company is working towards investing in R&D capabilities to further diversify product portfolio, augmenting manufacturing capabilities, building brands & introducing new products. Apart from crop protection business, upcoming focus lies in seeds, agri-equipment and exports business.

The Company on a consolidated basis has five operational manufacturing units – two in Haryana, two in Jammu & Kashmir, and one in Anand, Gujarat and one being refurbished in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Additionally, the Company has two under-construction Technical manufacturing facilities at GIDC, Dahej, Gujarat and MIDC, Nagpur, Maharashtra

Company’s country wide presence spans a wide network of approximately 7,000 independent distributors. Company, through its sales & marketing team reaches out to famers across the country through various channels. The Company has established brands in various categories.

In addition, the Company has deployed “Crystal Doctors”, to directly interact with farmers and dealers to spread awareness about its products.  They work closely with farmers in their farmland and advise on appropriate method for application and the benefits of Company’s products at the farmers’ doorstep.

The Company has its own DSIR-recognized in-house R&D center focusing on synthesis of new chemistries, process development for Technical and bio-efficacy testing. Through its research and development, [Strong registration capabilities], innovative product portfolio, and related services, the Company seeks to make provide crop protection solutions to the Indian farmer to assist them to maximize productivity and profitability.

About Syngenta AG: Syngenta AG, the ultimate holding company of Syngenta India Limited is one of the world’s leading agribusiness companies with more than 26,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment and improve health and quality of life.

Date: Apr 11, 2018