Dr. Sarath Babu K

R&D and product launch specialist in crop protection (fungicides) with end-to-end experience from market opportunity identification through field development, business case modeling, and cross-functional launch execution. Delivered four successful fungicide launches in FY 2024–25; advancing three additional brands toward FY 2026–27 commercialization.Development of new fungicide ideas by market analysis

• Development of innovative fungicide concepts through in-depth market analysis.
• Creation of business cases and net perceived value (NPV) assessments for all fungicide projects using Star Chart analysis.
• Design and preparation of field trial protocols and summaries for new fungicides utilizing the ARM tool.
• Monitoring and evaluating field trial results to support go/no-go decision-making.
• Cross-functional coordination with R&D formulation, packaging, artwork, supply chain, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless product launches.
• Preparation and management of project trackers and Gantt charts to ensure timely and smooth project execution.
• Successfully launched products: Motive, Picozoleway, Spotlight, and Indosmart (FY 2024–25).
• Upcoming launches: Zoxam 66, Decor, and Rancho (planned for FY 2026–27).

• Planned, executed, and monitored RBD and LPT field trials for in-house herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and biologicals across key crops including chilli, cotton, paddy, maize, and pulses.
• Conducted multi-location trials to evaluate product performance under diverse agro-climatic conditions.
• Collaborated with leading institutions such as ANGRAU, PJTSAU, NRRI, and Dr. YSRHU to coordinate and collect institutional Bioefficacy reports
• Interpreted and analyzed trial results to assess product fitment, crop safety, efficacy, and positioning in competitive landscapes.
• Demonstrated strong technical knowledge in weed, pest, and disease management across paddy, chilli, cotton, maize, pulses, and vegetable crops.
• Conducted bioefficacy studies of Alecto against lepidopteran and sucking pest complex in chilli, brinjal, and cotton; and SKYSTAR against Brown Planthopper (BPH) in paddy.
• Participated in launch activities for Alecto and SKYSTAR; delivered technical training to regional marketing and sales teams
• Provided technical support to sales teams, sharing crop-specific insights and product usage recommendations to drive market adoption.

• Taught Plant Pathology to undergraduate students (1st, 2nd, and 3rd year), covering theory and practical sessions
• Served as Project Coordinator for final-year students under the RAWEP (Rural Agricultural Work Experience Program) and AELP (Agri Entrepreneurship Learning Program), guiding them in fieldwork planning, data collection, and report preparation.
• Mentored students on crop protection practices, disease identification in real-world farming conditions, and the application of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) strategies.
• Contributed to academic planning, curriculum delivery, and student evaluation to support institutional academic standards.