In a first-of-its-kind initiative, over 100 agricultural scientists from across the country convened to address the growing threat of nematodes — a major cause of crop losses, resulting in an estimated financial impact of Rs 25,000 crore annually. At a symposium recently organised by Syngenta India, experts emphasized the urgent need for effective nematode management to safeguard soil health, sustain crop productivity, and minimize chemical interventions. While acknowledging the government’s agriculture-focused Budget, the scientists urged stronger investments in scientific research and a more robust R&D pipeline to combat this ‘silent killer.’
In his inaugural address, Susheel Kumar, Country Head and MD, Syngenta India Pvt Ltd, emphasized the critical role of farmers in addressing agricultural challenges. “Farmers are at the heart of efforts to grow the food we need while protecting vital resources. Our
technologies tackle key agricultural challenges, and innovation continues to drive significant
productivity gains. Collaborations between industry and academia are essential to transforming Indian agriculture,” he said.
Speaking on the impact of plant parasitic nematodes on crop yields, Vinod Shivrain, Head of Crop Protection R&D at Syngenta India, said, “In India, annual crop losses due to major plant parasitic nematodes are estimated at 19.6 percent, amounting to Rs 25,000 crore. Despite this, farmer awareness about nematodes remains minimal, making it essential for all stakeholders to work together in addressing this issue.”
He further added, “Our goal is to raise awareness, demonstrate innovative technologies, and develop effective, sustainable solutions to tackle plant parasitic nematodes. Through
partnerships between the corporate sector and academia, we aim to leverage technical
expertise and resources to manage the nematode-disease complex more effectively and
ensure long-term agricultural resilience.”