'FIL Industries leading Apple sector investor in India'

Srinagar, Mar 5: Stating that FIL Industries is the leading investor in the apple sector across India, Executive Director of the Company, Syed Junaid Altaf said the company is working tirelessly to bring innovative products to the market to increase the productivity of growers and ramp up their income.

"It is probably for the first time in the history of Kashmir that a company is launching eight innovative products on a single day," Junaid announced at the Annual Business Partners Meet 2024 hosted by FIL Industries Private Limited in Srinagar on Tuesday.

He revealed that at FIL, 15 new molecules are currently under evaluation, as the company aims to address the challenges faced by growers, including the proliferation of spurious pesticides and insecticides.

"We are fully aware that our growers are facing challenges of spurious pesticides, insecticides, etc. Our aim is always to provide the best quality products to the farmer community," Junaid said while speaking at the event.

The Annual Business Partners Meet 2024 was a resounding success, witnessing the introduction of innovative products and showcasing FIL's strategic collaborations.

Among the eight new products launched were a cutting-edge bio-fertilizer formulation tailored for apple orchards, an AI-powered disease monitoring system, and a range of eco-friendly plant growth regulators.

Bukhari emphasised FIL Industries' commitment to investing heavily in research and development to create solutions that will boost yields, enhance fruit quality, and maximize profits for the nation's hardworking apple growers.

"Our state-of-the-art research facilities and team of highly skilled scientists have enabled us to stay ahead of the curve," he said. "You can expect even more groundbreaking products from FIL Industries that will transform the way apples are grown in this country."

Among the key highlights was the launch of several innovative new products, including FIL Hamia, FIL-Obrez, Triofil, FIL To-Rad, and Majestic Plus. These products have been strategically designed to cater to the diverse needs of the agricultural ecosystem.

The event served as a platform to unveil various schemes and programmes, reflecting FIL Industries' commitment to the welfare of farmers, dealers, and the overall growth of the Agri-consumer value chain. Noteworthy initiatives presented included the Rubigan-D scheme, Superstar Loyalty programme, and the Scratch card program-Dodinofil, all aimed at providing tangible benefits to the stakeholders involved.

SM Tariq Bukhari, Managing Director at FIL Industries Private Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about the event, emphasizing that beyond being a platform for product showcasing, the Annual  Business Partners Meet 2024  was an opportunity to strengthen relationships with FIL’s 325 esteemed dealers and partners. He also reiterated FIL Industries’ commitment to continue introducing initiatives that contribute to the growth of farmers and the agricultural community.

A pivotal moment in the event was the declaration of the FIL-Kimitec collaboration. FIL’s partnership with Kimitec Group, a renowned Spain-based corporate biotechnology entity, represents a significant stride towards introducing cutting-edge and sustainable agricultural products to India. Stéphane Chabierski - EVP Global Corporate Strategy & General Manager Asia-Pacific-Kimitec actively participated in the event, sharing valuable insights into the corporate philosophy and solutions resulting from this exclusive distribution agreement. Furthermore, this collaboration launched three strategically important products, namely FIL Calb-XT, FILWEX, and FILBARDY.

“FIL Industries Private Limited is committed to fostering global partnerships, and we are excited about our ongoing collaborations with various reputed international players in the agricultural industry. I am extremely optimistic about the opportunities that will come with the strategic partnership between FIL Industries Private Limited and Kimitec Group. Collectively, we will explore key opportunities in agro-waste management and the creation of a circular economy for bio-stimulants and smart fertilizers derived from such processes.  By joining forces with multiple esteemed organizations, we aim to create a network of innovation and knowledge exchange that will propel the agricultural sector towards long-term growth and sustainable practices,” said Syed Junaid.

Another notable aspect of the event was the insights on India’s first parametric apple crop insurance programme –appleINSURE aligning with FIL Industries' dedication to comprehensive support programs for farmers. This insurance scheme was presented as a significant step towards ensuring the holistic welfare of apple farmers of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.

The event concluded with the felicitation of the top-performing dealers acknowledging their partnership and efforts towards the growth of the business.