Reinforcing Goa’s status as an innovation-friendly state, Dr Camilla Corsi, Global Head of Crop Protection Research, Syngenta on Tuesday inaugurated the new “RATNA” Research and Technology Centre as an expansion of the current R&D facility of Syngenta Biosciences. Dr Corsi said, “This multi-purpose modern building will strengthen the site as a centre of excellence in chemical and analytical science adhering to the highest standards of Health, Safety and Environment, and shall cater to the growing demands of the crop protection industry”.
“In 2004, Syngenta was the first Agrochemical company to invest in a R&D centre in India recognizing the innovation potential in the country and the need for new solutions to meet the domestic market demand. This long term strategic commitment has been maintained since then and the opening of the new building marks an innovative milestone in the history of the site”, said Dr Corsi.
“Syngenta’s commitment to accelerate innovation in a changing world aims at developing innovative crop protection solutions to meet challenges faced by growers all over the world while taking care of our planet. Crop Protection R&D is at the centre of this new innovation paradigm. Syngenta invests $1.3 billion in R&D annually and more than 5,000 Scientists contribute to Syngenta’s research globally. This investment in Goa SBPL recognizes the strong track record of delivery of a talented team that is fully integrated in the global Syngenta R&D network” added Dr Corsi further at the inauguration.
Speaking during the inauguration Dr Jérôme Cassayre, Head of Crop Protection Research Chemistry, said, “Delivering innovative and sustainable products to our customers can only be achieved by creating a stimulating environment for our scientists, also able to attract the future talents in our industry. Building on 13 years’ experience on the Syngenta SBPL site, “RATNA” illustrates perfectly this ambition. It will not only create additional chemical laboratory space for innovation in crop protection R&D but also offer a state-of-the-art environment embodying our values of safety, compliance, scientific excellence and sustainability.”
“The Centre - which currently employs more than 100 Scientists - will substantially grow in the near future through recruitment and development of new Syngenta workforce to meet the need of research and development using most advanced technologies”, emphasised Dr Bhanu Manjunath, Director of the Research & Technology Centre, Syngenta Biosciences Pvt Ltd., Goa.
Located in a lush green area of 20 acres, the Centre will house various laboratories for discovery research, process and scale up chemistry, analytical development, GLP labs and Central Warehouses. Highlighting the HSE standards, Dr Manjunath added further, “the Centre is equipped with modern infrastructure to continue to drive our Goal Zero Safety ambition and address our recent commitment on sustainability of our operations, and offer an attractive working environment to our people”.
The Inaugural Ceremony was graced by Syngenta’s global leadership team comprising of Ms Camilla Corsi (Head of Crop Protection Research) Mr Steve West (Head of Crop Protection Development); Mr Tom Gray (Head of Sourcing and Production); Mr Neil Shilling, (Head of Engineering); Mr Jerome Cassayre (Head of Chemistry); Mr Martin Diggelmann (Head of Research Portfolio & Project Management); Ms Jutta Boehmer (Head of Bioscience); Mr Rafael Del Rio (Country Head India) among others.
About Syngenta:
Syngenta is one of the world’s leading agriculture companies. Our ambition is to help safely feed the world while taking care of the planet. We aim to improve the sustainability, quality, and safety of agriculture with world-class science and innovative crop solutions. Our technologies enable millions of farmers around the world to make better use of limited agricultural resources. With 28,000 people in more than 90 countries we are working to transform how crops are grown. Through partnerships, collaboration and The Good Growth Plan we are committed to improving farm productivity, rescuing the land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities.