Bayers launches BICOTA to help Indian paddy farmers tackle stem borers

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, the company said in a statement.

Stem borers can cause significant damage to rice crops, leading to reduced yields. BICOTA works quickly to stop the feeding of these pests and provides longer-lasting protection. With just one application, farmers can enjoy extra protection for a longer duration as compared to the other solutions available in the market. Additionally, it promotes better root and tiller development, helping to enhance overall crop health and address key challenge of controlling stem borer infestation amid changing weather conditions while ensuring higher yields.

Mohan Babu, Chief Operating Officer – India, Crop Science Division, Bayer, said, “Bayer endeavors to make life easier for farmers through its innovations. With BICOTA, we not only want paddy farmers to have solutions that will protect their crop but also save them time and labour costs and help improve their yields and income.”

BICOTA is safe to use and safe for beneficial insects, making it an ideal choice for farmers and also fits well in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices. Its granular formulation allows for convenient application, making it easy for farmers to cover their fields quickly, the company added.

Published on June 9, 2025