JAVA, RAKYAT NEWS – Syngenta Indonesia has officially launched Topmost, a selective herbicide designed to help farmers effectively manage weeds in rice fields. The product was introduced across three Syngenta Learning Development Centers located in Jember, Solo, and Karawang, on January 18, 22, and 25, 2025, respectively.

The launch events, attended by over 1,800 rice farmers, mark a significant step in supporting both farmers and the Indonesian government’s goal of achieving food security.

Lianasari Sutjokro, Senior Brand Manager for Herbicides, Seedcare, and Biostimulants at Syngenta Indonesia, explained that Topmost 30/300 OD combines the active ingredients Cyhalofop-butyl and Ethoxysulfuron, providing a comprehensive solution to control narrow-leaved, broad-leaved, and sedge weeds. These weeds pose a threat to farmers by affecting rice yields, making effective weed control essential for maintaining healthy crops.

Topmost can be applied at a rate of 1 liter per hectare when the rice plants are between 12 to 18 days old, or when the weeds have developed 3-5 leaves. It is recommended to apply the herbicide when the soil is moist but not flooded. By following the recommended usage and dosage guidelines, Topmost promises an efficient solution for farmers, ensuring effective weed control with minimal effort.

According to Sutjokro, Topmost is not just a new product but represents Syngenta’s commitment to improving national rice productivity. The herbicide’s high content of Cyhalofop-butyl, compared to similar products, enhances its effectiveness in controlling weeds, ensuring that farmers get the best results from a single application.

For many farmers in Indonesia, the challenge of using selective herbicides includes issues such as determining the correct timing for application, the need for multiple applications, and concerns about potential toxicity to the rice plants. Topmost is designed to address these challenges, providing a one-time application solution that does not harm the main crop, ensuring a healthy rice harvest.

One of the farmers who tested the product, H. Masduki, a rice and secondary crop farmer from Subang, shared his positive experience with Topmost. He stated that with just one application, the weeds were effectively controlled up to the harvest stage, and the rice plants did not suffer from any toxicity, such as red or curled leaves.

Suhendro, Marketing Head at Syngenta Indonesia, highlighted that Topmost is an economical choice for farmers, being a post-emergence herbicide. This product offers an alternative to pre-emergence herbicides that need to be applied before weeds sprout. Syngenta is providing farmers with a broader range of options to control weeds efficiently and safely.

The launch of Topmost aligns with the Indonesian government’s priority to improve food security, particularly rice production. The product has the potential to reduce crop loss by up to 30-40%, contributing significantly to increasing national rice output. Local authorities, such as Nani Dwi Astuti from the Karawang Agricultural Office, emphasized the importance of agricultural technology in boosting rice productivity and meeting the country’s growing food demands.

Syngenta plans to introduce Topmost in other key rice-producing regions across Indonesia. By expanding access to this innovative technology, the company aims to support the growth of Indonesia’s rice production, helping the country become more self-sufficient in its rice supply and reducing reliance on rice imports. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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