As we look to 2025 and beyond, our focus is to uphold our growth momentum, stay close
to our customers, optimize asset utilization, and maintain diligent control over working
capital and expenses.
Dear Shareholders,
I am pleased to present Bayer CropScience Limited's 67th Annual Report for
the financial year 2024-25. Over the past year, India's agricultural sector continued to
face persistent challenges - from the growing impact of climate change and erratic weather
to depleting groundwater reserves, water scarcity, fragmented land holdings, market
volatility, and limited access to institutional credit for smallholders.
Amid these uncertainties, Bayer demonstrated resilience by strengthening relationships
with our channel partners and supporting farmers across diverse geographies. Our
commitment to empowering smallholder farmers remains central to our strategy. We continue
to advance sustainable agricultural practices, with innovation and technology as key
enablers of long-term growth and impact.
We actively foster collaboration among stakeholders - farmers, agronomists,
researchers, and policymakers - to build sustainable ecosystems that effectively address
critical agricultural issues. By promoting knowledge-sharing and innovative practices, we
enhance access to digital tools and sustainable methods that empower smallholders. Our
collaborative efforts are designed to create resilient agricultural systems that improve
productivity, ensure fair price realization, and promote environmental sustainability.
We are expanding our product and service portfolio to include not only integrated pest
management and customized crop protection solutions but also advanced seed hybrids and
innovative business models that lower business risks across the entire value chain. This
comprehensive approach aims to improve access to high-quality inputs, boost productivity
and income for farmers, and strengthen resilience for long-term food and nutritional
security. By integrating these diverse offerings, we are committed to supporting
sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing the overall productivity of the farming
community.
A live example of our focused efforts is visible in Corn. In recent times, India has
seen a rising demand for corn, driven by its versatile applications in food, feed, and
sustainable fuel. The growing poultry and livestock industries, coupled with the
Government of India's aggressive push for ethanol production, have positioned corn as a
key raw material for sustainable fuel. DEKALB? continues to be a trusted brand for corn
growers across India, delivering high-quality produce and our efforts are ongoing to
strengthen value creation in this space and lead India towards self-sufficiency.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, our focus is to uphold our growth momentum, stay close
to our customers, optimize asset utilization, and maintain diligent control over working
capital and expenses. We will remain steadfast in pursuing our long-term strategic goals,
driving forward our sustainability initiatives, promoting diversity and inclusion, and
fortifying our talent pipeline. Our strong commitment to maintaining safe and efficient
operations will remain foundational to our sustained success.
On this note and on behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to extend my
gratitude to all stakeholders, especially farmers, Shareholders, channel partners,
retailers, other partners, employees, banks, and financial institutions for your continued
support and trust in Bayer. We look forward to stronger partnerships and collaboration as
we continue this journey of holistic growth for all.
Best wishes,
Pankaj Patel
Chairman and Non-Executive Independent Director