OREANDA-NEWS. BASF has officially launched Seltima(r), a fungicide designed to support farmers to produce high quality rice more efficiently. The special innovation aspect is its encapsulation technology that ensures a controlled release of the active ingredient. This allows a higher and long lasting product performance and better protection of the environment surrounding the plant. Available now in Indonesia, Seltima will be launched in other key rice producing countries in the near future.

Seltima was specifically developed to offer rice farmers a highly effective solution to protect their plants from fungal diseases, while preserving the aquatic environment. Its special encapsulation technology ensures a precise release of the blockbuster active ingredient F 500(r) directly on the rice leaf surface, where it acts. Such encapsulation technology considerably improves the toxicological profile of the product compared to conventional formulations and is a result of the BASF know-how Verbund.

Seltima is also part of BASF's AgCelence portfolio: aside from disease protection, it also promotes benefits such as higher rice yields and better grain quality. The product helps rice plants to stay healthier with greener leaves, reducing the negative impact of heat stress. "Seltima is a perfect example of our commitment to go the extra mile for farmers. This is about delivering a solution that protects the rice plant, achieves higher, qualitative yields, and allowing our customers to produce better food in a safer environment", said Antonio Parenti, Global Marketing Manager Seltima at BASF Crop Protection.

Supporting Indonesia's goal to become self-sufficient in rice production

For the Indonesian launch of this new formulation technology, BASF hosted a Rice Innovation Experience Tour with over 400 farmers as well as experts from academia and local government this week. "After I used Seltima, the stems of my rice plants became stronger and I observed better filled grains at harvest", said Mr. Suhardi, a local farmer from Jombatan sub district in East Java, who had tried the product in his fields and shared his first positive results.

"BASF partners with farmers. We are excited to be able to do our part to support Indonesia`s journey to self-sufficiency for its rice production. Innovations like Seltima will contribute to a better outcome and help to improve the quality of life of local rice farmers and their communities," said Leon van Mullekom, Business Director Southeast Asia, BASF Crop Protection.

After its debut in Indonesia, Seltima is scheduled to be available for the 2015 season in Vietnam, the Dominican Republic and Guatemala.