New Delhi, [India], February 24, 2025 –For years, farmers struggled with motha (Cyperus rotundus), a persistent weed that made sugarcane and maize cultivation a challenge. Despite repeated manual efforts, motha kept regerminating, reducing crop yields and increasing labour costs. However, Dhanuka Agritech Limited launched Sempra in 2015 in collaboration with Nissan Chemical Japan, a cutting-edge herbicide developed with Japanese technology. In the last 10 years, Sempra has transformed sugarcane weed management practices and changed farmers’ lives. To celebrate this significant milestone, Dhanuka Agritech announces 10-year completion celebration to mark the impact of Sempra and its contribution to farmer prosperity.
Building on its remarkable legacy, Sempra, first introduced in 2015, is a systemic, post-emergence, selective herbicide that effectively kills motha (Cyperus rotundus) from its nuts in sugarcane and maize crops. By inhibiting the synthesis of amino acids, the weed is starved, and control is obtained after a few days of its application. Sempra is a low-dose, high-efficacy solution for farmers combating this nuisance weed.
Sempra’s strong soil residual effect provides long-term protection, preventing new Cyperus germination. It has also been extensively tested and backed by prominent agricultural centres such as the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, and Haryana Agricultural University.
Sempra stops motha’s nutrient uptake within 24 hours, effectively stopping nutrient loss from the soil. With higher yields, reduced labour costs, and improved crop quality, Sempra continues to empower farmers across India.
To celebrate 10 years of Sempra’s success, Dhanuka Agritech organised a special farmer felicitation event on February 19 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The event honoured progressive farmers who had successfully used Sempra to combat motha and improve their yields. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, where experts discussed Sempra’s impact, best practices in weed management, and future innovations in agriculture.
Atul Kumar, General Manager, Dhanuka Agritech Limited, said: “Ten years of Sempra fills us with immense pride and joy as it reflects our commitment to innovation and farmer prosperity. We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to developing solutions that address critical challenges faced by Indian farmers. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to tackling agricultural issues, empowering farmers, and taking India’s agriculture to new heights with our continued contributions.”
RK Dhuria, Senior Deputy General Manager, added: “Sempra’s success over the past decade is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust that farmers have placed in us. By continuously improving and adapting to agricultural needs, we have been able to provide a powerful solution for weed management, ensuring higher yields and better profitability for farmers.”
Avnish Chandra, Deputy General Manager, emphasized: “This milestone is not just about the longevity of Sempra, but also about the impact it has created on Indian agriculture. Looking ahead, we remain focused on bringing more advanced and farmer-friendly solutions that enhance productivity and sustainability in farming.”
