Rallis India Limited has announced a key senior management appointment in its research and development division, strengthening its leadership team with an experienced agricultural scientist. The company informed stock exchanges on December 30, 2025, about the appointment of Dr. Devender Kumar to lead its Seeds Division research operations.

Appointment Details

Dr. Devender Kumar's appointment follows a structured transition plan designed to ensure seamless leadership handover in the critical research and development function.

Professional Background

Dr. Kumar brings substantial academic credentials and industry experience to his new role. He holds a Doctorate in Agricultural Botany with specialization in Genetics & Plant Breeding, complemented by a Master's degree in Agri-Business Management. His educational background provides a strong foundation for both technical research leadership and business strategy implementation.

With over 23 years of diverse experience in the agricultural sector, Dr. Kumar has demonstrated expertise across multiple areas:

• Plant breeding and germplasm development
• Product innovation and research
• Genomics and data science applications
• R&D information technology systems

Crop Expertise and Industry Experience

Dr. Kumar's extensive experience spans a wide range of crops, making him well-suited to lead research initiatives across Rallis India's Seeds Division portfolio. His expertise covers:

• Cereals: Maize, rice, wheat, and millets
• Oilseeds: Mustard and sunflower
• Cash crops: Cotton

His industry experience includes key roles at several prominent organizations in the agricultural and crop science sector. Dr. Kumar has previously worked with Nuziveedu Seeds Ltd., Bayer Crop Science Ltd., Monsanto Holdings Pvt. Ltd., and Mahyco, gaining comprehensive exposure to different aspects of agricultural research and development.

Strategic Impact

The appointment reflects Rallis India's commitment to strengthening its research capabilities in the seeds business. Dr. Kumar's combination of technical expertise in plant breeding, genomics, and data science, along with his experience in R&D information technology, positions him to drive the creation of next-generation breeding and research ecosystems.

This senior management addition comes as part of Rallis India's ongoing efforts to enhance its research and development capabilities, particularly in the Seeds Division, which represents a key growth area for the company's agricultural solutions portfolio.

Rallis India Limited , a prominent player in the agricultural sector, has announced a significant change to its board composition. The company's Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mahesh Girdhar as an Additional Director in an Independent capacity.

Key Details of the Appointment

Mahesh Girdhar's Professional Background

Mahesh Girdhar brings a wealth of experience to Rallis India, with over three decades of global expertise in various sectors crucial to the company's operations. His background includes:

• Over 30 years of experience in business operations
• Expertise across environment, renewable energy, and agri-business sectors
• Previous leadership roles at notable companies:
  • Deepak Fertilisers
  • Bayer CropScience
  • Monsanto

Girdhar's extensive experience in the agri-business sector, particularly with companies like Bayer CropScience and Monsanto, aligns well with Rallis India's focus on agricultural solutions. His background in renewable energy and environmental sectors could also bring valuable insights as companies increasingly focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Implications for Rallis India

The appointment of Mahesh Girdhar as an Independent Director could bring several benefits to Rallis India:

1. Strategic Insights: His experience in global business operations could help Rallis India in its strategic decision-making processes.
2. Industry Knowledge: Girdhar's background in agri-business, particularly with major players like Bayer and Monsanto, could provide valuable industry insights.
3. Diversified Expertise: His experience in renewable energy and environmental sectors might contribute to Rallis India's sustainability initiatives.
4. Corporate Governance: As an Independent Director, Girdhar will play a crucial role in ensuring good corporate governance practices.

The appointment, subject to shareholder approval, represents Rallis India's commitment to strengthening its board with experienced professionals from relevant industries. Shareholders and market observers will likely watch closely to see how Girdhar's expertise influences the company's strategies and operations in the coming years.