Farmers Lead the Way in Real-World Trials
Indian farmers are now actively driving innovation in crop protection. A new farmer-led study conducted across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh has revealed that SG (Soluble Granule) formulations deliver pest mortality up to 70% faster than conventional formats.
The goal of this field-based experiment, which covered more than 300 acres, was to determine how different formulation types impact insect mortality in real-world farm settings rather than merely lab settings. The outcomes? SG pesticides are strongly recommended because to their better crop safety, efficacy, and solubility.
What Are SG Formulations and Why Do They Matter?
A formulation known as Soluble Granule, or SG for short, completely dissolves in water and leaves no residue or silt behind. This sets it apart from more conventional options like EC (Emulsifiable Concentrate) and WP (Wettable Powder), which frequently leave clogs or require continuous stirring.
SG formulations are gaining popularity for several reasons:
- Faster and even spread across the crop surface
- No nozzle clogging or mixing difficulties during application
During the trials, SG-based products were found to deliver visible pest knockdown within 24 to 36 hours. In contrast, conventional products needed 48 to 72 hours to show similar results.
On-Ground Impact: Pest Control with Precision
SG formulations were tried against pests like Helicoverpa armigera, thrips, and leaf folder on crops like tomato, cotton, brinjal, and chilli on the farms under observation. Six-hour intervals were used to record the death rates, demonstrating SG's better speed and reliability.
The early-season application of high-quality SG insecticides by the farmers was a key contributor to these outcomes. Emamectin Benzoate 5% SC was one product that stood out; farmers who purchased this pesticide had faster results than those that used other conventional sprays.
At the 24-hour mark, the study discovered that SG had a 70% pest mortality rate, whereas traditional formulations only had a 45% rate. Crops were spared significant production loss during the blooming and fruiting stages thanks to this speed.
Environmental Benefits and Crop Safety Observations
One of the biggest upsides of SG is its eco-friendly nature. Unlike EC formulations, SGs don’t contain volatile solvents or create harmful vapors. That makes them safer for both the environment and the applicator.
Here’s what farmers reported:
- No phytotoxic damage on sensitive crops like chilli and okra
- Significant reduction in the number of follow-up sprays
The FAO's recommended practices for pesticide application state that precise formulation selection can lower chemical load and drift. Since SGs dissolve entirely and are quickly absorbed without runoff, they are consistent with these criteria.
Voices from the Field: Real Experiences, Real Impact
Farmers participating in the study had strong opinions:
“Sahab, pehle 2 baar chhidakna padta tha, ab ek hi baar kaafi hai,” said Prakash from Jalgaon, referring to reduced spray frequency.
Even in hot weather, a Nanded cotton farmer noticed better leaves that did not burn. In a similar vein, an Indore brinjal farmer reported that SG improved fruit setting and reduced pest recurrences.
One thing emerged from the collective feedback: SG is not just quick, but also efficient all at once.
“Effective pest control is not about how strong the chemical is, it’s about how fast and where it works.”
Why SG Formulations Are Gaining Market Momentum
India’s pesticide market has seen a 40% year-on-year rise in SG-based product sales, according to a 2024 AgroPages report.
Farmers have moved toward SG products for several reasons:
- Easier and safer to handle
- Precise application with less water use
- Minimal visible residue on crops
More importantly, SG products tend to reduce pest recurrence. This leads to fewer sprays, saving farmers both money and labor.
Retailers also report fewer complaints and higher satisfaction from SG product buyers, creating a win-win scenario across the supply chain.
Practical Benefits for Small and Medium Farmers
While high-tech farms utilize tools like drones and sensors, SG offers an affordable upgrade for small and medium-sized Indian farms. Farmers using SG observed that:
- The formulation mixed quickly, even in hard water
- Motor sprayers faced no clogging
- Coverage reached deep inside bushy plants like tomato and brinjal
Some farmers have even reported compatibility with micronutrient mixes, although this should be confirmed according to the product label instructions.
Farmers transitioning to integrated pest management (IPM) have also found SG insecticides a better fit alongside neem oil and biopesticides.
Crop Results Speak for Themselves
From yield to quality, the visible difference was clear:
- Tomato plants treated with SG had less leaf curl and better fruit shape
- Chilli fields showed less thrips reinfestation for over 7 days
- Pigeon pea had higher pod formation due to early pest control
SG also appeared to favour natural pest predators by leaving fewer residues, as observed by field officers.
Statistics That Support the Shift
Here are some standout numbers from the study:
- 70% pest mortality within 24 hours using SG
- 25% reduction in total pesticide sprays during the season
- 40% increase in farmer preference for SG over EC formulations in surveyed regions
These numbers reflect the ground reality: SG isn't just faster—it's smarter.
How to Use SG Formulations Effectively
For first-time users, some precautions help maximize results:
- Use clean water and follow the recommended dosage
- Spray during cool hours (morning or evening)
- Avoid mixing with incompatible products like high-residue fungicides
To increase leaf adherence, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall, several farmers combined SG sprays with stickers or spreaders.
Some field agronomists have coined the term "granulocentricity" to describe the crop's reaction when granule-based actives spread more quickly in foliar zones. This phrase, which isn't technical, describes how SG distributes itself more uniformly throughout the leaf surface.
Growing Role of Farmer Innovation in Crop Protection
This trial represents a change in farmer-led research, not just a single commodity. More farmers are wondering not only what to spray but also how to spray more intelligently as formulation science becomes more widely known.
SG trials are now being displayed on platforms such as Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agriculture expos, with local farmer clubs reproducing the outcomes.
ICAR research summaries state that formulation selection is crucial to managing resistance. Resistance-delay and rotation programmes are thought to be a good fit for SGs.
FAQs
Is SG suitable for organic farming?
SG formulations are synthetic but low in residue. They’re ideal for low-input systems but not certified organic. However, they work well in integrated programs.
Do SG granules harm the soil?
No. Once dissolved, SGs leave no granule residue. Always use clean water for complete solubility.
Can SG be used with a battery sprayer?
Yes. In fact, battery sprayers are ideal since SG dissolves fully and doesn’t clog filters or nozzles.
Does SG have a longer shelf life?
Yes. Stored in dry conditions, SG products can last 2 to 3 years without losing potency.
Are SG formulations safe for vegetables?
They are widely used in vegetables like brinjal, tomato, chilli, and okra. Always check the crop-specific recommendation on the label.
The Journey Continues, Led by Farmers
This movement is still evolving rather than reaching a definitive conclusion. A growing number of farmers are incorporating formulation awareness into their decision-making process. They are now independent testers, researchers, and innovators rather than merely passive users.
Although SG formulations might not be able to completely replace all insecticides, farmers that value simplicity, speed, and safety are increasingly choosing them. This transition from brand-blind spraying to formulation-smart farming is only becoming more pronounced with each prosperous season.
Crop protection could just a granule away in the future.
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