Ankur Aggarwal re-elected as chairman of CropLife India
CropLife India, the apex body representing leading domestic and multinational R&D-driven crop science companies, announced a change in leadership in its board of directors.
Ankur Aggarwal, Managing Director of Crystal Crop Protection Ltd., has been re-elected as the Chairman of the Board during the 45th Annual General Meeting, held recently.
Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer, Bayer CropScience – India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, continues his role as Vice Chairman for the second consecutive year. Gyanendra Shukla, Managing Director & CEO, Rallis India Limited; has been inducted as the second Vice Chairman of the Board, CropLife said in a statement
Reflecting on India’s evolving agri landscape, Aggarwal said “India today stands as the world’s fourth-largest producer and second-largest exporter of agrochemicals. CropLife India’s member companies collectively contribute more than 70 per cent of the industry’s business and represent over 95 per cent of the world’s leading molecules and chemistries. Our exports, valued at nearly ₹40,000 crores, underscore India’s strategic importance in the global agri-value chain. Yet, despite this progress, the country still faces crop losses worth nearly ₹2 lakh crores annually due to pests and diseases—while our pesticide usage remains among the lowest globally, at just 400 grams per hectare compared to the global average of 8,000 grams. This clearly reflects the efficiency, precision, and responsibility with which Indian farmers operate. Through continued focus on innovation, stewardship, and integrated pest management, we can significantly reduce crop losses, enhance farmer incomes, and accelerate India’s journey toward a $1 trillion agricultural economy. Our collective efforts are not only about advancing productivity but also about realising the national vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat—a self-reliant and globally competitive India where agriculture stands as the cornerstone of sustainable growth”.
Durgesh Chandra, Secretary General, CropLife India said “We look forward to working closely with Ankur Aggarwal and the Board of Directors to deliver safe, innovative crop protection technologies. Our focus remains on educating farmers on responsible usage and supporting them in safeguarding their crops sustainably”.
CropLife India and its member companies continue to collaborate with farmers, scientists, and policymakers to address emerging agricultural challenges. Collectively, member companies have pledged €10 billion towards precision agriculture and an additional €4 billion for bio-pesticide development by 2030, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable and resilient farming practices.
Published on October 9, 2025
