PMFAI Honors Agrochemical Visionary Mr. Pradip Dave with ‘The Guiding Legend Award’ at PMFAI-SML Agchem Awards 2026
Mr. Bimal Shah, Managing Director of SML Limited, presents the Guiding Legend Award to Mr. Pradip Dave. Joining the ceremony are Mr. Dipesh Shroff, Chairman & Managing Director of Agrocel Industries Ltd., and Mr. Ramanathan Seethapathi, President & CEO of Gharda Chemicals International, USA.
Since 2018, the PMFAI has instituted the “PMFAI-SML Annual Agchem Awards” and sponsored by SML Limited to celebrate excellence within the Indian Agrochemical industry. These awards honor outstanding achievements and contributions that drive the sustainable growth of both the industry and Indian agriculture.
In the seventh edition of PMFAI-SML Annual Agchem Awards 2026 held on 19th January 2026 at the Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre, Dubai, UAE, the Indian Agri inputs industry honored Mr. Pradip Dave, Chairman, AIMCO Pesticides Ltd. and President, PMFAI with prestigious “THE GUIDING LEGEND AWARD”.
A Science Graduate from Mumbai University, Mr. Pradip Dave began his professional journey in 1965, eventually establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Indian agrochemical sector. As the Chairman of AIMCO Pesticides Limited, he has steered the company through more than five decades of excellence in manufacturing and formulations.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Mr. Dave has served as the President of the Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India (PMFAI) for over 35 years. In this role, he has been a pivotal force in navigating the industry’s early challenges and architecting the robust growth of Indian agrochemicals sector on a national and international scale.”
Mr. Dave’s influence extends deep into the institutional fabric of the Indian chemical and agrochemical sector. Since 1991, he has served on the governing body of the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), a vital arm of the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers. His commitment to the MSME sector is reflected in his long-standing role as Chairman of CAPMA (Confederation of All India Small & Medium Pesticides Manufacturers Associations) since 2008. Furthermore, as a former Vice Chairman of CHEMEXCIL and a Founder Member of the CHEMTECH Foundation, Mr. Dave has been instrumental in fostering international trade and multi-disciplinary strategic alliances across the Oil & Gas, Pharma, Chemical and Infrastructure verticals.
Mr. Ramanathan Seethapathi addressed the audience, providing an insightful overview of Mr. Pradip Dave’s significant contributions to the industry.
Mr. Ramanathan Seethapathi, President & CEO of Gharda Chemicals International, USA lauded Mr. Pradip Dave as a primary architect of India’s global market presence. Reflecting on the industry’s evolution, Mr. Seethapathi noted that four decades ago, 12 to 15 multinational corporations dominated the Indian market. During this era, government policy mandated that MNCs sell 50% of their technical grade products to domestic formulators – a move that allowed local players to enter the field. Mr. Seethapathi credited “Pradeepbhai” (Mr. Pradip Dave) as the pivotal voice for small formulators during those challenging times. Originally established as the Pesticides Formulators Association of India (PFAI), the organization evolved into PMFAI (Pesticides Manufacturers & Formulators Association of India) as members transitioned into technical manufacturing. Through decades of advocacy and collaboration with regulators, Mr. Dave has been instrumental in defending the industry’s interests. In recognition of this monumental legacy, PMFAI—with sponsorship from SML – is proud to honour him with the Guiding Legend Award. Mr. Seethapathi added a personal note of admiration for Mr. Dave’s disciplined nature – often seen during their morning walks at Juhu Beach, Mumbai – and wished him continued health as he leads the PMFAI into the future.
The award presentation was preceded by a moving tribute from Mr. Deepak Shah, Chairman of SML Limited and Chairman, Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI). Mr. Shah spoke extensively on Mr. Dave’s legacy of commitment and integrity, describing him as a relentless problem-solver who bridged the gap between the agrochemical industry and government authorities. In a personal reflection, Mr. Shah recounted how Mr. Dave mentored him during a 1988 BCPC conference in the UK, an event then dominated by global MNCs, guiding him through his first steps in the export business. Labelling him a ‘teacher, guide, and mentor.
Mr. Deepak Shah mentioned that he has the privilege to honor Mr. Pradip Dave with the GUIDING LEGEND AWARD and on behalf of all industry Mr. Shah appealed the audience to give standing ovation with thunderous applause.
Mr. Bimal Shah, Managing Director, SML Limited in the presence of senior industry personalities presented Mr. Pradip Dave with the “THE GUIDING LEGEND AWARD” and a large gathering of over 900 national and international participants given standing ovation to the legend.
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