Shares of India Pesticides Ltd surged over 11% in Friday’s trading session after the Ministry of Finance imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on Pretilachlor imports from China. The move aims to protect domestic agrochemical manufacturers from unfair pricing and boost indigenous production of this critical herbicide used in rice cultivation.
🌾 What Is Pretilachlor and Why It Matters
Pretilachlor is a pre-emergent herbicide widely used in paddy fields to control weeds. Until now, Indian manufacturers faced stiff competition from low-cost Chinese imports, which undercut local prices and disrupted market stability.
The new duty also covers its key intermediate, 2,6-Diethyl-n-(2-propoxyethyl) Aniline (PEDA), further strengthening the domestic value chain.
📈 Market Reaction and Company Outlook
- India Pesticides Ltd stock rose to ₹208.95, up 8.1% from the previous close
- The company has ramped up PEDA production capacity to 6,000 MT, with plans to expand to 8,500 MT by Q2 FY26
- Q4FY25 revenue jumped 64% YoY to ₹208 crore, while net profit soared 2,100% to ₹22 crore
“This duty will stabilize local markets, encourage self-reliance, and support the government’s ‘Make in India’ and China-plus-one strategies,” said a senior industry analyst.
🏭 Strategic Expansion and Global Reach
India Pesticides operates two manufacturing units and exports to 25+ countries, with 38% of revenue from exports. The company is investing ₹116 crore in FY26 to expand its Sandila and Hamirpur plants, aiming to reduce dependency on Chinese imports and enhance global competitiveness.
Stay tuned for updates on India’s agrochemical sector and trade policy shifts.
