From “hearing the wind and cranes” to “transforming into a butterfly”—the agrochemical industry is poised and eager!

Release Date:

2019-08-10

　To interpret the current situation and enhance Pesticide Industry technological level, promoting China Pesticide The sustainable development of the industry—on August 7–9, in the coastal city of Qingdao, with its red-tiled roofs, lush greenery, and azure seas and skies—was hosted by Shandong Province. Pesticide Institute of Scientific Research, Shandong Chemical Industry Society Pesticide Professional Committee, Shandong Province Pesticide The 19th Shandong Province, hosted by the Information Center Pesticide The information exchange meeting was held with great solemnity.
　　Building on the success of the previous 18 sessions, the 19th edition once again drew industry-wide attention by bringing together 500 participants. China Pesticide Vice President Li Zhonghua of the Industrial Association, China Pesticide Hua Rongjun, Secretary-General of the Development and Application Association, Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Pesticide Director Yang Wujie of the Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Pesticide Researcher Zhang Wei from the Pharmaceutical Administration Division of the Testing Institute, along with other leading experts, attended this exchange meeting and delivered opening remarks and presented conference reports. Shandong Province Pesticide Institute of Scientific Research, Shandong Chemical Industry Society Pesticide Mr. Li Dejun, Chairman of the Professional Committee, presided over the opening ceremony.
　　With the… Pesticide 》The documentary was broadcast nationwide, showcasing to the entire society… Pesticide The industry’s extraordinary 40-year journey—from standing up to becoming prosperous and then growing strong—is a momentous milestone. However, as… Pesticide As industry enters a new era, this fresh landscape has given rise to numerous new challenges—whether in safety and environmental protection, supply-side reform, or the implementation of new industry policies. Pesticide The industry has entered a critical phase of transformation and upgrading. During the opening ceremony, Chairman Li Dejun emphasized that innovation will shape the future, going beyond merely focusing on… Pesticide Increasing both output and efficiency also requires a focus on the quality and safety of agricultural products, which in turn calls for the continuous introduction of new products and technologies. In his address, Mr. Ge Jiacheng, President of Hailir Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., likewise emphasized that technology-driven upgrades are essential for our industry to move upmarket. Pesticide It holds great significance for the industry.
　　Three-Step Focus on Shandong Pesticide Management work
　　In his address, Director Yang Wujie of the Shandong Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs introduced Shandong Province. Pesticide Management plan.
　　First, we are focusing on green leadership and emphasizing high-quality development. At present, Shandong Province… Pesticide The overarching approach to governance is to uphold the new development philosophy, focus on and concentrate efforts on high-quality development, and accelerate… Pesticide Technological innovation promotes the upgrading and transformation of industries, strengthening our province. Pesticide Competitiveness in both international and domestic markets. Priority support will be given to the research and development of products that are highly efficient, low-risk, and leave minimal residues. Pesticide , accelerate biology Pesticide , plant-derived Pesticide Wait for green Pesticide Registration. Promote green and clean production to reduce environmental risks. Popularize and apply green pest‑control technologies such as biological and physical control, along with advanced pesticide‑application equipment. Establish… Pesticide Systems for the collection and disposal of packaging waste, among others.
　　Second, we will focus on building a robust system and elevating the level of regulatory oversight. We will fully implement the… Pesticide Management Regulations, and continue to implement them effectively. Pesticide Management system development. (1) Strengthen the regulatory workforce. In accordance with the powers conferred by the Regulations, Pesticide Management responsibilities, establishing a system of unified authority and accountability with coordinated and efficient operations. Pesticide The regulatory system, with a focus on strengthening at the county level. Pesticide of the comprehensive law enforcement agency Pesticide Enforcement capacity. (2) Strengthen regulatory accountability. Effectively implement the principal responsibilities of producers, operators, and users, and strictly enforce… Pesticide The systems of production and business licensing, scientific drug selection and application, and record-keeping for production, operation, and use, among others. (3) Strengthen medication guidance services. Intensify publicity and training to enhance farmers’ legal awareness and technical competence in the rational use of agricultural chemicals. Vigorously develop agricultural production service industries, promote specialized integrated pest management and new technological approaches such as large-scale plant protection machinery, and popularize efficient, low‑toxicity, and low‑residue products. Pesticide and biology Pesticide 。
　　Third, we will focus on implementing work and carry out the “Six Major Initiatives.” We will earnestly implement the “Shandong Province…” document issued at the beginning of this year. Pesticide “Industry Transformation and Upgrading Action Plan,” vigorously promoting Pesticide Technological innovation, Pesticide Production transformation and upgrading, demonstration of scientific drug selection and use, Pesticide Collection and disposal of packaging waste, Pesticide Construction of a product traceability platform and Pesticide The implementation of the “Six Major Initiatives,” including the standardization of regulatory enforcement, has promoted Shandong. Pesticide The industrial structure has been optimized and upgraded in a sound and sustainable manner, effectively ensuring the security of agricultural production, the quality of agricultural products, and the agricultural ecological environment.
　　The conference brought both height and depth to the industry.
　　This year is China’s. Pesticide The most unusual and exceptional year in the industry’s history, facing 2017. Pesticide At a critical juncture two years after the new policy was introduced, the region faced an ecological restoration phase triggered by the 2018 environmental‑protection crackdown and a park‑wide rectification period following the 2019 safety incidents; many… Pesticide Lately, people have been caught in a state of uncertainty, inner conflict, and indecision. Yet the convening of this conference, as Secretary-General Hua Rongjun eloquently put it in his address, “has brought both height and depth to the industry.”
　　The height lies in having authoritative leaders interpret policies, renowned experts share technical insights, and successful entrepreneurs pass on their experience; the depth lies in the fact that the conference will… Pesticide The latest technological information in production has been thoroughly analyzed and comprehensively explored, covering formulation development, adjuvant research, microencapsulation technology, system evaluation, and processing equipment, among other areas.
　　Do it with a broad, strategic perspective. Pesticide Industry Future Plan
　　China Pesticide Vice President Li Zhonghua of the Industrial Association analyzed China’s situation in the new era. Pesticide Industry status and development trends, from a national perspective Pesticide From industry data analysis and the broader context of social development patterns to the Belt and Road Initiative and future industry trends, a comprehensive, insightful, and accessible examination was presented. In his report, Chairman Li highlighted several key points:
　　First is highly toxic. Pesticide Elimination is an inevitable trend. The state’s stance on highly toxic substances… Pesticide A comprehensive ban has already been scheduled, and Vice President Li stated that, from a high political standpoint, the 12 highly toxic substances… Pesticide All such varieties will be phased out—elimination is inevitable. The goal is to reduce risks to the quality and safety of agricultural products by banning them entirely within five years. Accordingly, Vice President Li once again urged companies to plan ahead.
　　Second, industry mergers and reorganizations have a significant impact. Vice President Li pointed out that, at present, Pesticide Industry-wide production halts and output restrictions are widespread, while rising prices for raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients have accelerated consolidation across the value chain. According to incomplete statistics, during the first five months of this year, 80 companies in the sector completed mergers and restructurings, with significant implications.
　　Third, ensuring a company’s survival is more critical than pursuing growth. Vice President Li candidly stated, “Seventy percent of enterprises will be phased out in the future; the real challenge is how to remain among the remaining thirty percent.” From a developmental perspective, China faces severe constraints on environmental resources, and under the growing influence of environmental protection considerations, the old model of large-scale, unrestrained expansion is no longer viable. Therefore, Pesticide Where should enterprises head? Heading east to the Northeast and west to the Northwest was once a viable path. The troubling issue is that, at present, many industrial parks in China no longer accept such ventures. Pesticide According to Vice President Li, companies may consider conducting site visits to industrial parks in Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, as well as in Northeast China—Liaoning and Jilin—and in Anda, Heilongjiang. Given the fragile local environments, relocating from southern regions poses significant challenges. Vice President Li cautioned enterprises: “Relocation is no simple undertaking; thorough, comprehensive research is essential, and you must conduct on-site inspections yourself. What works for others may not suit your circumstances, so be sure to select locations whose conditions align with your own needs.”
　　Fourth, we must pay close attention to new technologies. Vice President Li believes that new technologies represent significant opportunities that warrant particular focus. For instance, the impact of biotechnology—such as RNAi, sex pheromones, food attractants, and mosquito‑based pest control—will undoubtedly be profound for the industry’s future. Moreover, big data is also reshaping the landscape: a single photograph can now automatically identify plant diseases, pests, and weeds, and even recommend appropriate treatments, with accuracy exceeding 90%—a challenge that will test frontline crop protection experts. Similarly, remote sensing technology is advancing rapidly; remote‑sensing centers are leveraging satellite imagery to gather highly precise data on land use and topography, opening up new possibilities for cross‑industry collaborations in the years ahead.
　　Fifth, it is essential to recognize the opportunities presented by the Belt and Road Initiative. As multinational corporations become increasingly localized in China and Chinese enterprises expand internationally, the Belt and Road policy has opened up numerous prospects for us. Judging from the growing number of companies establishing factories overseas, Vice President Li emphasized that Chinese firms undertaking outward investment must pay close attention to political risks—particularly in countries like India, which many are eager to engage with. In addition, Vice President Li once again underscored that… Pesticide We can go even further—please stay tuned. Pesticide Non-agricultural applications, such as industrial mold prevention, disaster mitigation and immunity, floriculture, landscaping, and forestry.
　　By analyzing industry trends, Vice President Li offered the following warnings and recommendations: First, a decline in the number of enterprises is an inevitable trend, and elimination is unavoidable—only the question is “who will be next.” Do not harbor any illusions; stringent management will become the norm and grow increasingly rigorous. Second, both intra‑industry reshuffling and cross‑sector disruption pose significant challenges, with the latter requiring particular attention from the sector. Third, leading companies can strengthen their position—and ensure their survival—by integrating the value chain, providing specialized, precision‑targeted services to farmers, and pursuing diversified growth. Fourth, corporate development can be driven by technological advancement, enhanced management, service innovation, and a focused brand strategy. Fifth, businesses can expand into diverse offerings, such as unified pest control, end‑to‑end agricultural management services, and comprehensive turnkey solutions.
　　Recognize the six major changes and ensure seamless connectivity. Pesticide Registration and Approval Stage
　　Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Pesticide Researcher Zhang Wei from the Pharmaceutical Administration Division of the Testing Institute introduced China’s… Pesticide Registration status and trend outlook. Researcher Zhang Wei summarized… Pesticide Several major changes in registration:
　　First, the number of products has declined. Through an analysis of the period from 2011 to 2019… Pesticide The change in the number of registered products indicates that the implementation of the new policy has altered the previous trend of growth in the number of registered products.
　　Second, there is the consolidation of production enterprises. As pressure on workplace safety and environmental protection intensifies and the production licensing system undergoes reform, this has spurred corporate mergers, restructuring, and a realignment of industrial value chains.
　　Third, the product mix remains stable. By analyzing the period from 2013 to 2018… Pesticide Register product categories and each major category. Pesticide The share indicates that the three major mainstream product categories are stable yet undergoing changes, with a growing proportion of green products.
　　Fourth, there is a wide range of product choices. This is reflected in the top 30 varieties by registration volume and the top 20 varieties by registration volume in 2018. Pesticide An analysis of the top 20 formulation types by variety and registration volume indicates that established products continue to dominate, with only a few relatively new ones. Pesticide Popular, with an even richer range of formulated products. In addition, in 2018… Pesticide Most of the products are relatively new or recently launched, while older products, though starting from a large base, show only modest year-over-year growth.
　　Fifth, the products offer comprehensive functionality, meeting the needs of agricultural production and supporting the development of specialized industries. Researcher Zhang Wei presented the top 20 crops in terms of registration numbers for 2018. In the category of minor crops, 1,410 pesticide registrations were granted in 2018, covering 10 traditional Chinese medicinal herbs—including peony, rehmannia, sesame, ginseng, lily, and honeysuckle—along with vegetables such as taro, lettuce, chives, and loofah, as well as specialty fruits like loquat, dragon fruit, and cherry. This represents an increase of more than 200 products compared to 2017, and the issue of limited or no available pesticides for certain specialty minor crops—such as bayberry, ginseng, and winter jujube—has been alleviated. However, Researcher Zhang Wei noted that significant progress remains to be made before the pesticide needs of minor crops can be fully met.
　　Sixth, the alternative technologies are robust. Green. Pesticide The product has strong growth potential. Domestic enterprises in the biotechnology sector… Pesticide Strong in R&D; biological Pesticide The proportion has been increasing year by year; in 2018, various types of organisms… Pesticide occupy Pesticide 12.3% of the total; agricultural antibiotic products are overwhelmingly dominated by avermectin and jinggangmycin; plant-derived and microbial… Pesticide A wide variety of products but limited quantities, coupled with the adoption of crop‑health concepts such as plant‑induced resistance agents.
　　In addition, Researcher Zhang Wei outlined the developments following the implementation of the new policy. Pesticide Key technical points for registration, with the aim of helping enterprises improve through systematic analysis. Pesticide Registration approval rate.
　　Researcher Zhang Wei also emphasized that, Pesticide Reducing inputs while enhancing efficiency is a global imperative. For instance, the European Union has made input reduction an annual environmental and ecological performance indicator, while Southeast Asia has elevated it to the level of national strategic development within its agricultural policies. For Chinese enterprises, the challenge lies in transforming the traditional reliance on heavy fertilizer and pesticide use—a key issue for future growth. In addition, Researcher Zhang Wei underscored the pressing challenges ahead, including the conservation of environmental and ecological diversity, the importance of technological innovation, integrated pest management, and the development of no‑till farming technologies.
　　Formulation development requires greater quantification, precision, and a more micro‑level approach.
　　Professor Wu Xuemin of China Agricultural University introduced China’s situation in the new era. Pesticide Trends and innovative approaches in formulation and adjuvant development. Professor Wu underscored the critical importance of building a strong formulation brand. Establishing a truly reputable formulation brand is challenging, requiring robust R&D capabilities, a high‑level production and quality‑control system, a comprehensive management framework, and consistently high product quality—striving to create a Chinese… Pesticide An international brand in the field of pharmaceutical formulations. In his presentation, Professor Wu addressed the key issues and challenges related to formulations and excipients, offering a concise yet thorough analysis and comprehensive overview of formulation excipients.
　　Professor Wu proposed that formulation development is trending toward functionalization, enhanced safety and environmental friendliness, and greater ease of operation. Pesticide The approach to formulation development is undergoing a transformation, becoming increasingly quantitative, precise, and micro‑focused. In the near future, the primary R&D metrics for formulations will shift from simple physicochemical properties to bioactivity‑driven endpoints. Pesticide The main trends and innovative directions in formulation development include: first, the development of new technologies for solid–liquid and liquid–liquid heterogeneous systems; enhancement of interfacial properties and targeted delivery; advancement of aerial application technologies for plant protection; the development of labor‑saving formulations; and the progress of controlled‑release technologies. Pesticide The development of new formulation technologies; seed The development of processing agents. Meanwhile, Professor Wu provided a detailed analysis of the formulation characteristics associated with these developmental trends.
　　Turning to oil‑dispersible suspensions (OD), Professor Wu noted that, as a highly efficient and environmentally friendly formulation, OD has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and the registration process is expected to accelerate. However, the industry currently faces a significant shortage of additives for OD formulations; there remains very limited research on how to achieve superior emulsification and adhesion. This is an area of critical need for our sector, and we hope it will attract greater attention.
　　Contest of Swords Pesticide Microcapsules: A Comprehensive Analysis Reveals a Robust Market
　　Shenyang Sinochem Pesticide Dr. Chou Jingyu of the Chemical Research and Development Co., Ltd. introduced the application of microencapsulation technology in… Pesticide Current research status of its applications. Microencapsulation technology has a long history, spanning roughly 50 years; however, in… Pesticide However, its application within the industry remains relatively immature.
　　Dr. Chou presented the current registration status of microcapsules. As of May 2019, a total of 254 microcapsule‑based suspension formulations had been registered, with insecticides accounting for the largest share at 158 entries, followed by fungicides with 33 and herbicides with 29. Pesticide In terms of microcapsule applications, the original active ingredients account for the following shares: chlorpyrifos 29.5%, thiamethoxam, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam + cypermethrin 16.4%, pyrethroids 14.7%, abamectin 8.3%, thiazophos 5.5%, metam sodium, amide compounds, isoproturon, and others 10%, with the remaining 15.6% attributed to other substances. Regarding the functions of the original active ingredients, insecticides comprise 72.4%, herbicides 11.4%, fungicides 13%, and other categories 3.2%. In terms of application areas, field crops account for 57.8%, public health pests 39.1%, and other uses 3.1%. By company type, foreign firms hold 25.6% of registrations, while domestic enterprises account for 74.4%.
　　Just Pesticide Regarding the current state of microcapsule industrialization, Dr. Chou noted that, compared with other dosage forms, the number of microencapsulated products remains quite limited, with research and applications primarily focused on sanitary insecticides for enclosed environments, grain storage facilities, and subterranean pests. seed Handling, etc., and the application of pesticides in open-field settings. At the meeting, Dr. Chou also addressed, respectively, from… seed With regard to application purposes and the use of microcapsules in field formulations, the respective benefits and objectives they offer are outlined.
　　In seed In terms of application, microencapsulation technology can enhance its safety and reduce seed Handling of active ingredients seed stimulation, increase the coating seed Its stress‑resistance properties make seed treatments safer, such as triazole fungicides like tebuconazole and difenoconazole; they can also extend the duration of efficacy, as seen with imidacloprid, fipronil, and chlorpyrifos; and they can address inherent limitations of the active ingredient, for example, carbofuran. seed The microcapsule suspension exhibits excellent coating properties. seed Flowability and protective efficacy; it can deliver specialized functions, such as water-retention and controlled-release properties with difenoconazole. seed The treatment agent can promote Wheat growth, enhance plant disease resistance, and ultimately improve Wheat Production.
　　The purposes of using microcapsules in formulated products are, first, to address inherent limitations of the active ingredient—such as reducing allergenicity, minimizing drift, preventing volatilization, inhibiting oxidation, and protecting against ultraviolet radiation; second, to enable water-based formulations by isolating the active ingredient from the aqueous phase; and third, to extend residual efficacy and mitigate phytotoxicity in pre‑emergence herbicides, including acetochlor, pendimethalin, isoproturon, metolachlor, trifluralin, and oxyfluorfen.
　　Dr. Chou outlined the challenges associated with microcapsules: first, sustained-release formulation technology is highly complex and costly to produce, as the capsule wall materials and additives increase… Pesticide First, the complexity of the operational process has also driven up labor costs; second, preparation methods, release mechanisms, and quality‑control procedures remain at an early stage of research, and no standardized analytical methods have yet been established for two key parameters—free active‑ingredient content and release rate—indicating that the technology is still immature; third, Pesticide Users lack understanding of microcapsules. Pesticide rational and sensory cognition, among others—particularly certain microcapsules that fail to meet technical standards. Pesticide Influx into the market has resulted in uneven quality, with substandard products posing a threat to microcapsules. Pesticide To smear.
　　Dr. Chou has put forward several recommendations for the future development of microcapsules: first, to delve deeper into sustained-release and controlled-release technologies. Pesticide Theoretical research and development, focusing on sustained-release and controlled-release systems. Pesticide First, extensive development and application provide robust theoretical and technical support; second, the state is increasing its support by strengthening policy guidance, intensifying efforts to promote and demonstrate relevant technologies, establishing pilot subsidy programs, and expanding investment in slow-release and controlled-release formulations. Pesticide Related publicity efforts to ensure widespread public awareness; third, strict controlled‑release and sustained‑release technologies. Pesticide Establish a hierarchical system, formulate relevant quality standards, strengthen market oversight, eliminate substandard and counterfeit products from the market, and standardize sustained‑release and controlled‑release formulations. Pesticide Market.
　　In addition, the conference delved deeply into technical information from multiple angles and at various levels—covering additive research, system evaluation, processing equipment, reduced‑input, increased‑efficiency strategies, and production quality control. Concurrently, dedicated sessions were held on Nouryon technologies, Guangzhou Fangzhong technologies, and Shanghai Fafulei equipment, providing attendees with further opportunities to gain in-depth insights into cutting-edge technologies.
　　Chairman Li Dejun stated that China Pesticide In the face of a new landscape, we must think beyond conventional frameworks. Pesticide The global landscape is undergoing transformation. In the past, we looked up to large corporations; today, we compete on the same playing field. Many in our country… Pesticide We possess a global perspective, and we have already gained a voice in shaping the rules. Therefore, as a new era dawns, we must remain acutely aware of this reality. Domestically, the state addresses the “three rural issues” every year; however, in the view of Chairman Li Dejun, these issues are not merely agricultural, rural, and farmer‑related—they are, in fact, broader social challenges. Pesticide Industry and agriculture are closely interconnected, and changes in cropping patterns directly affect… Pesticide Given the organizational and business models at play, Chairman Li Dejun cautioned enterprises: “It is imperative to pay close attention to land issues, to the transformation of agriculture and shifts in cropping patterns, as well as to the separation of rural land rights.”
　　China Pesticide The industrial sector is at a critical juncture of transformation and upgrading. To put it in pessimistic terms, the atmosphere is one of widespread anxiety and uncertainty. Yet, viewed from another perspective, this represents a period of renewal—a process of metamorphosis, akin to a caterpillar emerging as a butterfly—signaling that a completely new landscape is on the horizon. What gives us cause for optimism is that our country… Pesticide In recent years, the industrial sector has achieved numerous groundbreaking advances in its transformation and upgrading. Equally encouraging is the fact that many young scientists and entrepreneurs in our industry are ambitious and bold, energetically scaling ever higher peaks. This bodes well for a vibrant landscape of diverse innovation and a promising new generation, demonstrating that China… Pesticide The hope and future of industry!

Source: Pesticide Market Information Author: Liu Qin Editor: bianji2

Tags:

Hebei: A Seminar on the Current Status and Policies of the Pesticide Industry in North China and Northeast China Was Held in Shijiazhuang.

Breaking: An explosion has occurred at a chemical plant in Yingde, Guangdong, which produces 5,650 tons of pesticides annually!

More information

The National Agricultural Technology Center has issued guidelines on “one spray, three protections” for wheat to address the heightened risk of recurrent outbreaks of Fusarium head blight, stripe rust, and aphids.

2026-04-10

The petrochemical and chemical industries comprise more than 27,000 large-scale production enterprises—efforts to upgrade and retrofit aging facilities are being further intensified.

2026-04-06

In 2026, corn borer, cotton bollworm, and ear rot—among other corn pests and diseases—are expected to occur at a relatively severe level. The National Agricultural Technology Center has issued a control plan!

2026-04-02

Address: