Insecticides (India), a leading agrochemical company which manufactures and markets several popular and international brands, has been granted the first patent for process of an insecticide product.
 
The patent, granted by Indian Patent Office, is a shot in the arm for the research and development efforts of the company, which is listed on both Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE).
 
The patent has been granted for process of preparing Acetamiprid, an insecticide for sucking pests. IIL has so far filed for eight patents for process of different chemical compounds.

The company has also partnered with Japan’s OAT Agrio Co.,(OAT) to set up a joint venture for invention of new molecules in India for the international requirements.

''This was the efforts from the In-House research and development centre. We had filed for the patent with India's Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks for process of preparation for Acetamiprid technical in 2005. Though the process took a longer time, still we are optimistic for our other applications as well. This grant will encourage our team to work further in this direction.'' said Rajesh Aggarwal, managing director, Insecticides (India). 
 
''At IIL, we put a lot of focus on research and development. Our R&D centre at Chopanki in Rajasthan is a testimony to this. The grant for process of preparing Acetamiprid will boost our efforts for further research. We are excited about this achievement and look forward,'' said  Dr. Mukesh, general manager, R&D and quality control.

Shares of the company gained Rs 0.45, or 0.18%, to settle at Rs 246.15. The total volume of shares traded was 920 at the BSE (Thursday).