New Delhi, March 20 The ongoing conflict in West Asia is expected to significantly increase input costs for India's crop protection industry by 20-25 per cent, CropLife India, an industry body, said on Friday, warning that disruptions in key shipping routes could lead to a shortage of essential pesticides during a critical agricultural season, adversely affecting yields.
"The disruptions may lead to a shortage of certain crop protection products during a critical agricultural season, impacting the yield and quality of produce," said Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman of CropLife India and Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd.
Aggarwal said the industry was already preparing for lower capacity utilization across technical and formulation plants, with cascading effects on earnings and employment, particularly among Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He called on the government to provide support and incentives to boost domestic production.
The industry body also highlighted the risk of counterfeit and substandard products entering the market amid supply gaps.
"The supply gaps and volatility could lead to the circulation of illicit, counterfeit, or substandard products. Therefore, it is critical that we remain vigilant and activate all monitoring mechanisms," Aggarwal said.
CropLife India, which represents major research-driven crop protection companies, reiterated its commitment to working with the government towards a science-based and globally aligned regulatory framework that balances innovation with farmer and consumer safety.