The Indian agrochemical industry celebrated one of its most distinguished leaders, Mr. Pradip Dave, Chairman of AIMCO Pesticides Ltd. and President of PMFAI, by presenting him with the prestigious “Guiding Legend Award” at the seventh edition of the PMFAI-SML Annual Agchem Awards 2026, held at the Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai.
Instituted in 2018 and sponsored by SML Limited, the PMFAI-SML Annual Agchem Awards recognize exceptional achievements and contributions that drive the sustainable growth of India’s agrochemical sector. This year, the awards spotlighted Mr. Dave’s outstanding legacy in shaping the industry over more than five decades.
A science graduate from Mumbai University, Mr. Dave embarked on his professional journey in 1965 and has since become a cornerstone of the Indian agrochemical sector. As Chairman of AIMCO Pesticides Ltd., he has guided the company through decades of excellence in manufacturing and formulations. Beyond corporate leadership, he has served as President of the Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) for over 35 years, playing a critical role in advancing the growth of the sector nationally and internationally.
Mr. Dave’s influence extends across key industry institutions. He has been a member of the governing body of the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) since 1991, reflecting his commitment to advancing research and innovation. He has also chaired CAPMA, the Confederation of All India Small & Medium Pesticides Manufacturers Associations, since 2008. His efforts in fostering international trade and strategic collaborations have been further recognized through his tenure as Vice Chairman of CHEMEXCIL and as a founding member of the CHEMTECH Foundation.
Mr. Ramanathan Seethapathi, President & CEO of Gharda Chemicals International, USA, praised Mr. Dave as a key architect of India’s global agrochemical presence. He highlighted Mr. Dave’s role in supporting domestic formulators during the early era dominated by multinational corporations, ultimately guiding the transformation of the Pesticides Formulators Association of India (PFAI) into the modern PMFAI.
The award ceremony featured heartfelt tributes from industry leaders. Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman of SML Limited and Chairman of the Crop Care Federation of India, lauded Mr. Dave as a relentless problem-solver and mentor, recalling how Mr. Dave personally guided him during his early international business ventures. Mr. Bimal Shah, Managing Director of SML Limited, formally presented the award in front of an audience of over 900 national and international participants, who gave Mr. Dave a standing ovation for his extraordinary contributions.
The Guiding Legend Award recognizes Mr. Pradip Dave’s unparalleled dedication, leadership, and vision, cementing his legacy as a true pioneer in India’s agrochemical industry.
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