Context:
Bayer has announced the launch of BICOTA, a new product designed to help rice farmers manage stem borer pests effectively. BICOTA, which combines Bayer’s exclusive innovation to provide strong protection against these damaging pests, 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.
Key Features of BICOTA
- Fast-acting: Quickly halts pest feeding behavior.
- Extended Protection: Single application offers longer-lasting control than conventional options.
- Enhanced Crop Health:
- Promotes stronger root and tiller development
- Ensures higher yields even under unpredictable weather conditions
- Granular Formulation: Easy to apply, reduces time and labor costs.
- Eco-Friendly:
- Safe for beneficial insects
- Compatible with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems
Significance
- Targets one of the most damaging rice pests—stem borers
- Enhances climate-resilient agriculture by adapting to pest resurgence under changing weather
- Supports sustainable agriculture through safer, farmer-friendly crop protection technologies
