Altair Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Paddy – IIL & Nissan Chemical, Japan (Metazosulfuron 33% WG)

Altair is a patented pre-emergent herbicide for paddy (rice), developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan after eight years of dedicated research, and exclusively marketed in India by Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL). Launched in May 2025, Altair contains Metazosulfuron 33% WG (Water Dispersible Granule) as its active ingredient, a modern sulfonylurea herbicide designed specifically for Indian paddy cultivation systems.

Unlike conventional herbicides that act only after weeds appear, Altair works from day one by forming a protective barrier in the soil. It is applied within 0 to 3 days after transplanting and prevents weed emergence for an extended period of 40 to 50 days — covering the critical early growth stages when paddy crops are most vulnerable to weed competition. This early and sustained protection helps farmers reduce or even eliminate the need for manual weeding, saving significant labour and cost.

Altair provides broad-spectrum control against a wide range of weeds, including the most persistent and difficult ones such as Echinochloa crus-galli (barnyard grass), Ammania species, and Cyperus species (sedges), along with many other tough-to-control weeds common in Indian paddy fields. The product has been field-tested extensively — demonstrated to more than 10,000 farmers across geographies in over 500 large-plot demonstrations over one year — and has received positive feedback for its effectiveness and ease of use.

Key Benefits

• Extended weed protection for 40–50 days – A single application provides season-long early weed control during the critical growth phase of paddy, reducing the need for repeat herbicide applications.
• Reduces labour dependency by up to 80% – By preventing weed emergence from day one, Altair drastically cuts down or eliminates the need for manual weeding, saving significant time and labour costs for farmers.
• Broad-spectrum weed control – Effectively controls a wide range of grasses, sedges, and broadleaf weeds including tough species like Echinochloa crus-galli, Ammania, and Cyperus — all in a single application.
• Pre-emergent barrier action – Forms a protective layer in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating, rather than killing weeds after they appear, giving paddy seedlings a clean, competition-free start.
• Easy and flexible application – Can be applied through standard spraying methods or mixed with sand/compost for broadcast application, making it suitable for different farming practices.
• Proven farmer acceptance – Tested across 500+ large-plot demonstrations with over 10,000 farmers, with consistently positive feedback on efficacy and ease of use.
• Japanese technology for Indian fields – Developed by Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan, bringing advanced, research-backed herbicide technology to Indian paddy farmers through IIL's extensive distribution network.

How It Works

Altair works through a unique pre-emergent mechanism of action. When applied to the soil within 0–3 days after transplanting, the Metazosulfuron 33% WG active ingredient forms a protective barrier or layer in the topsoil. This barrier acts as a chemical shield that prevents weed seeds from germinating and emerging. The herbicide is absorbed by germinating weed seeds and young weed seedlings through their roots and shoots, inhibiting a key enzyme (acetolactate synthase or ALS) that is essential for weed growth. This stops weed development at the very early stage — before they can compete with the paddy crop for sunlight, water, and nutrients. The protective barrier remains active in the soil for 40 to 50 days, covering the entire critical early growth period of the paddy crop. Maintaining a water layer of 2–3 cm in the field for 7–10 days after application helps activate and maintain this herbicidal barrier effectively. Because Altair works pre-emergently, it prevents weed problems before they start, rather than trying to control established weeds — making it a preventive, rather than curative, weed management solution.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Product Name	Altair
Product Type	Pre-Emergent Herbicide
Active Ingredient	Metazosulfuron 33% WG
Formulation	Water Dispersible Granule (WG)
Crop	Paddy (Rice)
Developer	Nissan Chemical Corporation, Japan
Marketed By	Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL)
Patent Status	Patented
Weed Protection Duration	Up to 40–50 days
Application Window	Within 0–3 days after transplanting
Target Weeds	Echinochloa crus-galli, Ammania, Cyperus species and other tough weeds

Recommended Dosage & Application

When to Use

Altair should be applied within 0 to 3 days after transplanting paddy seedlings. This narrow application window is critical — applying too early (before transplanting) or too late (after weeds have already emerged) will reduce effectiveness. The ideal time is immediately after transplanting, when the soil is moist and puddled, and before any weed seeds have begun to germinate. This early application allows the herbicide to form its protective barrier in the soil from day one, preventing weed emergence during the first 40–50 days of crop growth — the period when paddy is most sensitive to weed competition. For best results, apply Altair when the field has proper moisture and can maintain a water layer of 2–3 cm for at least a week after application. Avoid application in fields with standing water deeper than 3 cm, as this may dilute or wash away the herbicide barrier.

Step by Step Usage Instructions

1. Prepare the field: Ensure the paddy field is properly puddled and levelled before transplanting, as is standard practice for paddy cultivation.
2. Transplant paddy seedlings as per normal practice.
3. Measure the correct dosage: Take exactly 160 grams of Altair per acre.
4. Choose your application method:
   • Spray method: Mix 160 grams of Altair in sufficient water (typically 150–200 litres per acre) and spray uniformly over the field using a knapsack or power sprayer.
   • Broadcast method: Mix 160 grams of Altair with dry sand or compost (about 20–25 kg per acre) and broadcast evenly across the field.
5. Apply within 0–3 days after transplanting. Do not delay beyond 3 days.
6. Maintain water level: After application, ensure a water layer of 2–3 cm is maintained in the field for 7–10 days. Do not drain or let the field dry during this period.
7. Monitor the field: The protective barrier will remain active for 40–50 days. If any weed escapes are observed after this period, consult your local agriculture officer for follow-up measures.

Precautions & Safety

• Wear appropriate protective gear (gloves, mask, and goggles) while handling and spraying the herbicide.
• Avoid inhalation of dust or spray mist during mixing and application.
• Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after handling the product.
• Keep the product away from food, feed, and drinking water storage areas.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid spray drift to neighbouring crops, water bodies, and non-target areas.
• Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or applying the product.
• Dispose of empty containers safely — do not reuse for any purpose.

Parameter	Details
Recommended Dosage	160 grams per acre
Application Timing	Within 0 to 3 days after transplanting
Application Methods	Standard spraying method, or mixed with sand/compost for broadcast application
Water Management After Application	Maintain 2–3 cm water level in the field for 7–10 days