India–Israel Launch Semiophore JV to Globalise Pheromone Crop Technologies

India–Israel Sign Landmark Agreement to Globalise Pheromone Crop Protection Technologies

India and Israel have taken a major step forward in sustainable agriculture with the launch of a new joint venture dedicated to manufacturing and commercialising pheromone-based crop protection technologies. Announced at the valedictory session of the First International Science & Technology Clusters Conference in New Delhi, the initiative reinforces the countries’ long-standing partnership in agri-innovation.

Launch of the Semiophore Joint Venture

ATGC Biotech Pvt. Ltd. of India and Luxembourg Industries Ltd. of Israel finalised reciprocal licensing arrangements to create Semiophore Ltd. , a 50:50 joint venture. This collaboration marks the first time an Indian semiochemical technology portfolio will be produced within Israel, signalling the global maturity and competitiveness of India’s agricultural biotechnology expertise.

Strategic Significance and High-Level Support

The announcement featured participation from India’s Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Kumar Sood and Israel’s Deputy Chief of Mission Fares Saeb. Both sides highlighted the agreement as a milestone that strengthens cooperation in food security, climate-resilient farming and environmentally friendly pest management. Officials underscored that the technologies align with global transitions away from harmful chemical pesticides.

Technology Portfolio and Global Market Expansion

Semiophore Ltd. will commercialise 18 pheromone and semiochemical innovations developed in India, including controlled-release systems, ultra-low-dose dispensers and mating disruption solutions. These technologies are expected to reduce insecticide dependence by over 80 per cent , offering farmers safer, residue-free pest control options. The joint venture is poised to enter major markets such as Israel, Brazil and the United States.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Semiophore Ltd. is a 50–50 Indo-Israeli joint venture .

• Commercialises 18 Indian semiochemical technologies .

• Announced at the First International S&T Clusters Conference .

• Technologies reduce insecticide usage by 80%+ .

Expanding Agri-Innovation Networks

Officials emphasised that ATGC’s long-term participation in Indo–Israel agricultural programmes laid the groundwork for this collaboration. The joint venture is expected to create new avenues for research partnerships, farmer-centric innovations and global deployment of sustainable crop protection systems.