Page 140 - CW E-Magazine (4-3-2025)

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PEST MANAGEMENT

PI Industries inks deal with C-CAMP to commercialise

two biocontrol technologies

Gurugram-based agrochemicals fi rm,
PI Industries, has announced a partner-
ship with the Centre for Cellular and
Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), an
initiative of the Department of Biotech-
nology, Ministry of Science and Tech-
nology.

Under this partnership, C-CAMP
has successfully transferred two break-
through biocontrol technologies to PI
on an exclusive basis. The two solu-
tions – AphidControl and Xantho
Control – are touted to be environmen-
tally friendly alternatives to traditional PI has been focussing on expand- are leveraging cutting-edge science
chemical pesticides. ing its presence in the biological sec- to develop sustainable, nature-driven
tor, with biological products registering solutions that not only mitigate im-
AphidControl is a botanical insec- 45% revenue growth over the last two mediate agricultural threats but also
ticide designed to combat aphids – a years. The company said the addition pave the way for a more resilient and
major pest responsible for yield losses of C-CAMP’s innovations would com- eco-friendly farming ecosystem. This
of up to 60% across various crops. This plements its previous investments in partnership reinforces our commitment
innovation can potentially benefi t over biological solutions and other partner- to innovation and sustainability while
25 million farmers. XanthoControl is a ships, further strengthening its integrated taking India’s scientifi c prowess to the
biocontrol agent targeting Xanthomonas approach to sustainable agriculture. global stage.”
species, a pathogen responsible for
signifi cant crop diseases leading to Commenting on the alliance, PI aims to commercialise these bio-
yield losses of up to 80%. This techno- Mr. Mayank Singhal, Vice Chairman & solutions across key global markets,
logy has the potential to support over Managing Director, PI, said, “Through leveraging its robust R&D capabilities
45-million farmers fi ghting this menace. our collaboration with C-CAMP, we and international distribution network.

SPECIALITY CARBON BLACKS
PCBL signs technology agreement with China co.

for acetylene black

PCBL Chemical Ltd. has taken a packaging, and conductive coatings. groups containing oxygen are not found.
signifi cant step in enhancing its specia- Acetylene black, a type of carbon black, This makes the material highly conduc-
lity product offerings by signing a tech- is obtained from thermal decomposition tive; making it ideal for the production of
nology transfer agreement with China’s of acetylene. It is produced through self- dry cells, electric power cables, as well
Ningxia Jinhua Chemical Co. The move heating pyrolysis of acetylene gas, which as in such sectors as silicon products, IC
enables PCBL to manufacture acety- requires no oxygen for reaction. There- packaging materials, etc. The global mar-
lene black, a high-end conductive mate- fore, it is highly pure, and the amount of ket for acetylene black, currently esti-
rial with critical applications in power hydrogen existing therein as undecom- mated at 60-kt and is projected to grow at
cables, lithium-ion batteries, electric posed residual matter or as a functional a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
vehicle (EV) charging, semiconductor group is extremely small, and functional of ~20%, reaching 150-kt by 2030.

140 Chemical Weekly March 4, 2025

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