Global enterprise Bayer has launched a new rice hybrid seed, Arize AZ 8433 DT, which has an inbuilt tolerance to pests such as brown plant hopper and bacterial leaf blight. Since its launch, Arize AZ 8433 DT has been cultivated across more than 10,000 acres (1 acre = 0.405 ha) in India’s major rice growing regions. Brown plant hopper is the most destructive pest in rice growing areas and has caused huge losses to farmers in kharif season this year. In the event of attacks by brown plant hopper and bacterial leaf blight, the hybrid seed offers a yield advantage of up to 20-30% over other varieties