Last Updated on October 17, 2023 by BFSLTeam BFSLTeam
In the world of farming and agriculture, certain names leave a mark because of their immense contribution and continuous efforts. UPL Ltd. is undoubtedly one of those standout names. Originally rooted in India, this powerhouse company has spread its branches far and wide, influencing and enhancing agricultural practices in numerous countries.
In this blog, we’re going to deep dive into the remarkable journey of UPL Ltd. We’ll explore its origins, its growth prospects, the vast areas it covers, and the innovative products it has brought to the market.
Table of Content
About UPL Ltd.
| Attribute | Information |
| Founder | Rajnikant Shroff |
| Industry Type | Agrochemicals |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, India |
| Key People | Jaidev Rajnikant Shroff (Chairman and Group CEO) |
| Parent Company | UPL Corporation Ltd. |
| Market Cap | ₹452.69 billion |
| Total Employees | 13k+ globally |
Overview of UPL Ltd.
UPL Ltd. is a prominent player in the agriculture and bio-solutions industry. It holds the top position in bio solutions and ranks fifth globally, showcasing its leadership in the field. The company has a substantial workforce of over 13,000 employees worldwide, ensuring that its products and services reach every corner. These employees play a crucial role in upholding the company’s values and maintaining high-quality standards.
UPL offers a wide range of over 14,000 registered products, emphasising its commitment to innovation and meeting diverse agricultural needs. The company’s global presence enables farmers worldwide to access their top-quality products and solutions. In the fiscal year 2023, UPL recorded impressive financial figures with a revenue of $6.7 billion and an EBITDA of $1.4 billion. This success is supported by their 43 advanced manufacturing facilities and 18 dedicated R&D centres, where innovation and quality are prioritised.
In India, UPL holds a significant influence as the leading crop protection company, with a network of over 25,000 dealers and 300,000 indirect retailers. Their digital innovation, the Nurture platform, connects 3 million farmers, promoting knowledge-sharing and best practices. UPL’s mission is to transform global food chains and empower farmers with the best tools and solutions for sustainable farming. UPL Ltd. collaborates with various farming entities, from smallholders to large industrial farms, addressing agricultural challenges comprehensively.
With a rich history spanning over five decades, UPL remains committed to its core values, serving as a strong ally to farming communities. The company support these communities in navigating today’s agricultural challenges and seizing tomorrow’s opportunities, ensuring food security and sustainability are paramount.
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UPL Ltd. History
1969: UPL began with producing Red Phosphorus.
1972: UPL earned the President’s Gold Seal for its good work in Research and Development.
1976: UPL started working in the Agchem area and began exporting its products.
1980: UPL started making Yellow Phosphorus in Ankleshwar.
1984: UPL got listed on India’s Stock Exchanges.
1994: UPL bought MTM Agrochemical in the UK and began its operations in Jhagadia.
1996-1997: UPL began the Caustic Chlorine Plant and got products like Devrinol from other countries.
2000-2005: UPL bought more products from different countries and expanded in Europe and Argentina.
2007-2010: UPL was awarded for its work. In 2010, the company received the ICC LIFE-TIME ACHIEVEMENT Award.
2012-2015: The awards and recognitions continued, like the Agriculture Leadership Award in 2012. In 2014, UPL Brazil’s stake was increased, and the company revenue went past the ₹100 billion mark.
2017-2022: UPL got good certifications and bought new companies. In 2018, UPL bought Arysta. In 2019, the company celebrated 50 years. In 2021 and 2022, focused on helping the environment, UPL introduced a new product called Flupyrimin and bought a natural product named Opticho.
Major Subsidiaries of UPL Ltd.
Advanta
A notable name in the seed industry, Advanta takes pride in being one of UPL’s premier subsidiaries. With a sharp focus on in-depth research, meticulous production, and efficient marketing, Advanta stands at the forefront of seed innovation. Its commitment to delivering high-quality seeds has made it a favourite amongst farmers, ensuring better yields and sustainable agricultural practices.
Arysta LifeScience
Another jewel in UPL’s crown, Arysta LifeScience has carved a niche in the world of agriculture. With its emphasis on the marketing and distribution of pioneering chemical solutions, it has continually catered to the dynamic needs of farmers. Their range of products is vast, addressing various farming challenges and ensuring healthy crop growth.
Bioquim Group
Originating from Costa Rica, the Bioquim Group has added significant value to UPL’s bio-solutions segment. By integrating advanced technologies and local expertise, Bioquim contributes towards eco-friendly farming solutions. Their understanding of the unique agricultural challenges in Central America ensures that farmers receive tailor-made solutions.
Laoting Yoloo Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
With its base in China, Laoting Yoloo Biotechnology has been a significant addition to UPL’s family. Specialising in cutting-edge bio-solutions, the company’s endeavours align with UPL’s vision of sustainable and innovative agriculture. By introducing products that are both effective and eco-friendly, the company aims to bridge the gap between modern agricultural demands and environmental concerns.
Also Read: Coal India Ltd.
Major Acquisitions (or Joint Ventures) by UPL Ltd.
MTM Agrochemical, UK
Embarking on its international journey, UPL marked its first overseas acquisition with MTM Agrochemical based in the UK. This acquisition set the tone for UPL’s aggressive global expansion strategy. MTM Agrochemical provided UPL with a strong foothold in Europe, allowing them access to sophisticated markets and technological advancements in agrochemicals.
Arysta LifeScience
One of the most significant milestones in UPL’s acquisition history is the integration of Arysta LifeScience. This acquisition bolstered UPL’s product range and reinforced its global presence. Arysta LifeScience, with its own legacy of providing innovative solutions for agriculture, amalgamated seamlessly into UPL’s vision of a food-secure future.
Costa Rica’s Bioquim Group
Venturing into Central America, UPL acquired the Bioquim Group, a Costa Rican enterprise. This move was more than just a geographical expansion. Bioquim Group’s expertise in bio-solutions is perfectly aligned with UPL’s focus on sustainable agricultural solutions. Through this acquisition, UPL was able to delve deeper into the world of biological products, catering to the rising demand for eco-friendly farming solutions.
Products/Brands Under UPL Ltd.
Nurture Platform
UPL’s Nurture Platform is a digital tool for farmers. Through this, farmers can connect and share information. It helps them learn modern farming techniques. The platform has registered over 3 million farmers, showing UPL’s efforts to bring technology to agriculture.
Flupyrimin Insecticides
UPL introduced Flupyrimin insecticides to protect rice crops. Rice is essential for many people around the world. This product helps farmers save their rice from pests. It ensures that the rice harvest is good and contributes to food security.
Optichos
Optichos is a fungicide from UPL. It is made from natural sources. This product protects crops from fungi without using harsh chemicals. It supports healthy crop growth and gives consumers cleaner food.
Devrinol Series
UPL’s Devrinol products tackle specific pests and diseases. These products come from UPL’s research efforts. UPL helps farmers by dealing with pest problems effectively.
SAAF
SAAF is a product from UPL that protects various crops. It’s designed to be safe for the environment while helping farmers increase their yield.
Conclusion
UPL Ltd. plays a vital role in India’s agricultural progress. Beyond business, it supports farmers, strengthening the nation’s economy. Their focus on safe and sustainable farming practices shows a balance between growth and care for the environment. By bringing modern tools to farmers, UPL blends tradition with new technology. This dedication and effort have made UPL the top crop protection company in India, truly benefiting both the nation and its people.
