DBT Bureau
Pune, 8 June 2025
Bayer, a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of agriculture and healthcare, announces the launch of BICOTA, a new product designed to help rice farmers manage stem borer pests effectively. BICOTA combines Bayer’s exclusive innovation to provide strong protection against these damaging pests. BICOTA will be available across key rice-growing states, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western UP, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, starting in June 2025.
Stem borers can cause significant damage to rice crops, leading to reduced yields. BICOTA works quickly to stop the feeding of these pests and provides longer-lasting protection. With just one application, farmers can enjoy extra protection for a longer duration as compared to the other solutions available in the market. Additionally, it promotes better root and tiller development, helping to enhance overall crop health and address key challenge of controlling stem borer infestation amid changing weather conditions while ensuring higher yields.
Speaking on the launch, Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer – India, Crop Science Division, Bayer, said, “Bayer endeavors to make life easier for farmers through its innovations. With BICOTA, we not only want paddy farmers to have solutions that will protect their crop but also save them time and labour costs and help improve their yields and income.”
BICOTA is safe to use and safe to beneficial insects, making it an ideal choice for farmers and also fits well in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Its granular formulation allows for convenient application, making it easy for farmers to cover their fields quickly.