15 Oct 2025

Corteva Agriscience on Biologicals and Green Chemistries

Shoumo Mitra, Director APAC Crop Health R&D at Corteva Agriscience, joined Conference Producer Theresa Flach ahead of his appearance as a speaker at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore (November 4-6).


 

In this interview, Shoumo shared Corteva's strategic approach to sustainable agricultural innovation, particularly within the dynamic and diverse Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from cutting-edge technologies like AI and gene editing to the company’s commitment to green chemistry and farmer-centric solutions.

One of the central themes was Corteva’s investment in scalable, sustainable R&D. The company is integrating biologicals - following a recent acquisition - into its crop protection portfolio, alongside digital technologies that enhance farmer value while aligning with environmental goals. AI is being leveraged across the value chain, from molecule discovery to agronomic recommendations, with drone technologies playing a growing role in precision agriculture across APAC.

Corteva also emphasized its commitment to sustainability through its adherence to green chemistry principles. Every molecule developed is designed to meet stringent sustainability targets, including those aligned with 20 UN Sustainable Development Goals. The company’s reduced-risk products, such as the herbicide Rinskor, demonstrate significant environmental benefits, including ultra-low application rates and safety for aquatic ecosystems.

The interview also highlighted Corteva’s innovative biological solutions, such as Methylobacterium symbioticum - a free-living microorganism that enables crops to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen. This breakthrough product, launched in several APAC countries, offers a promising path to reducing nitrogen inputs while improving crop health and yield.

Finally, Corteva’s farmer-first philosophy was evident in its tailored solutions for local crops like durian, where biostimulants and nutritional products are used to support tree health during non-fruiting periods. The company categorizes its biologicals into biocontrols, biostimulants, and nutrient-enhancing products, all aimed at improving plant resilience and efficiency.

Join the Conversation in Singapore

Hear more from Shoumo at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore, November 4-6, where he’ll share more on Sustainable Inputs: Accelerating Innovation with Scientific Rigour during a main stage innovation spotlight.

Will you be there alongside 800+ agri-food leaders at the Marina Bay Sands next month? - Register now

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