The role of advanced technologies and modern research approaches in accelerating the discovery and development of crop protection products, and translating laboratory research into practical agricultural applications, was highlighted by Ramakrishnan Vallinayagam, Director of Global Crop Protection Discovery Research (Chemistry), BASF Chemicals India Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, on Thursday.Delivering the third annual Dr. U.T. Bhalerao Memorial Lecture organised by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT), Dr Vallinayagam spoke on Flask to Field: Modern Crop Protection Discovery Trends and Opportunities for Academia-Industry Collaboration.He highlighted the growing need for sustainable and effective crop protection solutions in the face of rising global food demand and stressed the importance of developing innovative crop protection molecules to address emerging challenges in crop health and agricultural sustainability.A key focus of the lecture was BASF’s Open Innovation Platform, which promotes collaboration between academic institutions and industry. Such partnerships can bring together complementary expertise, accelerate innovation and help transform scientific ideas into field-ready agricultural solutions, he said.Dr Vallinayagam also discussed current challenges in crop protection research, emerging opportunities in the sector and the need for stronger academia-industry collaboration. The programme was attended by CSIR-IICT Director D. Srinivasa Reddy, family members of late Dr U.T. Bhalerao, former colleagues, scientists, staff and students, according to a press release. Published - September 03, 2026 08:11 pm IST