Bayer Launches BICOTA to Protect Rice Crops from Stem Borer

As the German life sciences business broadens its agricultural portfolio in India's major rice-growing regions, Bayer AG announced on Monday the launch of BICOTA, a new product intended to assist rice farmers in managing stem borer bugs.

Key Highlights:

• Bayer launches BICOTA to fight rice stem borers across 11 Indian states.
•  Single application offers longer-lasting protection, boosts root and tiller development.
•  Granular formula suits IPM practices; safe for beneficial insects, easy application.

Beginning in June 2025, the product will be offered in 11 states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana, according to a statement from Bayer. BICOTA targets stem borers, which harm crops and drastically lower rice production. According to the manufacturer, the product promotes root and tiller development and offers longer-lasting protection with a single application than other options on the market.

Bayer endeavours to make life easier for farmers through its innovations," said Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer for India's Crop Science Division at Bayer. 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."

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The manufacturer claims that the granular formulation is compatible with Integrated Pest Management techniques and is made for easy field application.

According to Bayer, beneficial insects can safely use the pesticide. For hundreds of millions of people, rice is a staple food, and India is one of the biggest producers of the grain worldwide. Farmers continue to face significant challenges in managing pests, especially when weather patterns shift.