|
Forecast Period
|
2026-2030
|
|
Market Size (2024)
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USD 223.42 billion
|
|
Market Size (2030)
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USD 274.65 billion
|
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CAGR (2025-2030)
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3.46%
|
|
Fastest Growing Segment
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Oilseeds & Pulses
|
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Largest Market
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Asia Pacific |
Market Overview
Global Agrochemicals Market was valued at USD 223.42 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 274.65 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 3.46% through 2030.
The global agrochemicals market is a dynamic and critical component of the
agricultural industry, encompassing a wide range of chemical products designed
to enhance crop yield and protect against pests, diseases, and weeds. As of my
last knowledge update in September 2021, this market was undergoing significant
transformations driven by various factors, including population growth,
changing dietary preferences, and the need to maximize agricultural
productivity while minimizing environmental impact.
One of the key drivers of the global agrochemicals
market is the ever-increasing global population, which demands a consistent and
efficient food supply. To meet this growing demand, farmers rely on
agrochemicals to increase crop yields and ensure food security. Additionally,
the adoption of modern farming practices, such as precision agriculture and
genetically modified crops, has further fueled the demand for agrochemicals to
optimize production.
However, the market has faced challenges related to
environmental sustainability and public health concerns. Pesticides,
herbicides, and fertilizers can have adverse effects on the environment,
including soil degradation, water pollution, and harm to non-target organisms.
Consequently, there has been a growing emphasis on the development of
sustainable and eco-friendly agrochemical solutions, including biopesticides
and organic fertilizers.
Furthermore, stringent regulations and increasing
consumer awareness have pushed agrochemical companies to invest in research and
development to create safer and more effective products. The industry has
witnessed a shift towards integrated pest management (IPM) and precision
application techniques to reduce chemical usage while maintaining crop quality.
Key Market Drivers
Rising Global Population and Food Demand
The sharp rise in global population is a significant driver of the agrochemicals market, as nations strive to feed a growing world. As of 2024, the global population has crossed 8.1 billion and is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. This demographic surge is intensifying pressure on agricultural systems to boost productivity without expanding farmland. With arable land per capita steadily declining, farmers are increasingly turning to agrochemicals—fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides—to enhance crop output, protect yield, and improve land-use efficiency in both developed and developing countries.
Fertilizers play a pivotal role by providing crops with essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, promoting faster growth and better yields. Simultaneously, pesticides and herbicides shield crops from pests, diseases, and invasive weeds, reducing post-sowing losses. According to a 2023 FAO report, pests are responsible for up to 40% of global crop losses annually, further emphasizing the importance of crop protection solutions. As food insecurity remains a concern in several regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, the reliance on agrochemicals to secure the food supply is growing steadily.
The global food system, which includes the production, processing, and distribution of crops and livestock, is deeply connected to the agrochemicals sector. Rising urbanization and income levels in emerging markets have led to increased consumption of processed and high-value foods. A 2024 nutrition survey showed a 15% rise in fruit and vegetable consumption in urban Asia over the past five years. This shift in dietary patterns demands a diverse and abundant food supply, pushing farmers to adopt intensive farming supported by agrochemical solutions to meet consumer expectations.
Beyond productivity, the link between rising population and food production also demands a focus on sustainability. Climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity are growing challenges that can’t be ignored. Responsible agrochemical use, including integrated pest management and precision farming techniques, helps mitigate environmental risks while maintaining yields. Governments and agricultural organizations worldwide are now promoting smarter agrochemical usage to balance productivity with ecological preservation, making it essential for feeding the world while minimizing the environmental footprint of modern agriculture.\
Adoption of Modern Farming Practices
The global agrochemicals market is being propelled by the widespread adoption of modern farming practices aimed at boosting productivity and resource efficiency. As agriculture confronts the challenge of feeding a population exceeding 8.1 billion, innovative techniques like precision farming are gaining momentum. According to a 2024 agricultural technology report, around 32% of large-scale farms globally have adopted precision agriculture tools. These include GPS-guided machinery, satellite imaging, and soil health sensors that help farmers apply agrochemicals more efficiently, thereby improving crop performance and reducing environmental impact through targeted usage.
Precision farming allows for data-driven decision-making, enabling farmers to apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides only where needed, optimizing input costs and maximizing output. For instance, drones and soil sensors provide real-time field data, ensuring accurate agrochemical application. In a recent 2023 global survey, 70% of precision farming users reported reduced pesticide use due to better targeting. This shift toward smart agriculture not only enhances productivity but also makes agrochemical use more sustainable by minimizing waste and environmental runoff, which are key concerns in modern agricultural systems.
Genetically modified (GM) crops are another critical factor supporting agrochemical adoption. GM crops, such as herbicide-tolerant soybeans or pest-resistant corn, are specifically designed to work with certain agrochemical formulations. In 2023, over 198 million hectares of GM crops were planted globally, with the highest adoption in the Americas and parts of Asia. These crops drive the demand for complementary agrochemicals that support their growth cycles, particularly herbicides and insecticides, reinforcing the close synergy between modern biotechnology and agrochemical usage in intensive farming systems.
The rise of sustainable farming practices has also reshaped the agrochemicals landscape. As environmental awareness grows, farmers are increasingly turning to alternatives like biopesticides and organic fertilizers. Integrated pest management (IPM) systems, which combine traditional and biological control methods, are gaining ground. According to a 2024 environmental farming study, nearly 45% of surveyed farmers had implemented some form of IPM. Agrochemical producers are responding with eco-friendly formulations, supporting a market shift that aligns high agricultural productivity with long-term environmental stewardship, crucial for sustainable global food production.
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Key Market Challenges
Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns are a pressing challenge
that has been hindering the global agrochemicals market. While agrochemicals
play a pivotal role in boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food
security, their widespread use has raised alarm bells regarding their impact on
the environment.
One of the primary environmental concerns
associated with agrochemicals is water pollution. Runoff from fields treated
with pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers can carry these
substances into nearby water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and groundwater
reservoirs. This contamination poses a significant risk to aquatic ecosystems,
harming aquatic life and affecting the quality of water available for human
consumption. Chemical residues in water bodies can disrupt the balance of
ecosystems, potentially leading to long-term environmental damage.
Moreover, agrochemicals can have a detrimental
impact on non-target organisms.Soil health is another crucial environmental
concern. The excessive and persistent use of chemical fertilizers can lead to
soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and reduced soil fertility. Soil erosion
and compaction are also exacerbated by certain agricultural practices
associated with agrochemical use. Healthy soil is essential for sustaining crop
productivity and preserving the long-term viability of agricultural land.
The long-lasting nature of some agrochemical
residues compounds environmental concerns. Persistent organic pollutants
(POPs), which include some older pesticides, can persist in the environment for
extended periods, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. This not only
affects wildlife but can also have indirect consequences on human health when
contaminated food products are consumed.
Pesticide Resistance
Pesticide resistance has emerged as a formidable
challenge in the global agrochemicals market, posing significant obstacles to
sustainable agriculture. Pesticides, once hailed as essential tools for
controlling pests and ensuring crop yield, are losing their efficacy due to the
relentless evolution of resistance among pest populations.
The phenomenon of pesticide resistance occurs when
pests, such as insects, fungi, or weeds, develop genetic adaptations that
render them less susceptible or entirely immune to the effects of chemical
pesticides. This resistance often arises from repeated exposure to the same
pesticides over time. As a result, the pests that survive pesticide
applications pass on their resistant traits to their offspring, leading to a
growing population of pesticide-resistant individuals.
Pesticide resistance undermines the effectiveness
of these chemical solutions, rendering them increasingly impotent in
controlling agricultural pests. Farmers are forced to use larger quantities of
pesticides or switch to more potent, often more environmentally harmful chemicals,
which can exacerbate the environmental and health concerns associated with
agrochemical use.
One of the key reasons for pesticide resistance is
the overreliance on a limited number of chemical pesticides. In many cases, a
single pesticide or class of pesticides becomes the primary tool for pest
control, creating strong selective pressure on pest populations. As a result,
pests with innate resistance traits have a survival advantage and can
proliferate, diminishing the overall effectiveness of the chemical control
method.
Pesticide resistance also poses economic challenges
for farmers. As pests become increasingly resistant to chemical treatments,
farmers experience reduced crop yields and quality, leading to financial
losses. The need to invest in additional pesticides or alternative pest control
measures adds to production costs and reduces profitability.
Key Market Trends
Biological and Biopesticide Solutions
Biological and biopesticide solutions have emerged
as potent drivers of growth in the global agrochemicals market. As the
agriculture industry grapples with increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and
environmentally friendly practices, these innovative solutions have gained
significant traction. Biopesticides, derived from naturally occurring microorganisms,
plants, or other biological sources, offer a safer and more eco-friendly
alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. They target specific pests with
precision, leaving non-target organisms unharmed and minimizing collateral
damage to the environment. This precision and reduced environmental impact
align with the growing consumer demand for sustainable agriculture, driving the
adoption of biopesticides.
Biological solutions are particularly attractive to
farmers seeking to minimize the chemical residues left on their crops, thereby
improving food safety and meeting stringent regulatory standards. As consumers
become increasingly conscious of pesticide residues in their food, the demand
for biopesticides is poised to grow further.
Furthermore, the trend towards organic farming
practices has fueled the adoption of biological and biopesticide solutions.
Organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic chemicals, making biopesticides
a valuable tool for pest management in these systems. Biopesticides are
certified for use in organic farming and provide an effective means of
protecting organic crops from pests and diseases.
The development and commercialization of
biopesticides have become a focal point for agrochemical companies, spurring innovation
and investment in this sector. As research continues to uncover new strains of
beneficial microorganisms and innovative methods of pest control, the
biopesticide market is expected to expand, contributing to the overall growth
of the agrochemicals industry.
Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
Genetically Modified (GM) crops have emerged as a
powerful driver of growth in the global agrochemicals market. These crops,
engineered through biotechnology to possess specific traits such as resistance
to pests, diseases, or tolerance to herbicides, have revolutionized modern
agriculture in several ways.
GM crops reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
By incorporating pest resistance genes, GM crops can withstand attacks from
specific insects or pathogens, significantly decreasing the reliance on
chemical pesticides for pest control. This not only reduces the environmental
impact associated with pesticide applications but also alleviates the financial
burden on farmers.
Herbicide-tolerant GM crops have similarly
transformed weed management in agriculture. Farmers can use specific herbicides
that target weeds without harming the GM crops, allowing for more efficient and
selective weed control. This targeted approach minimizes the overall usage of
herbicides, contributing to reduced chemical runoff and associated
environmental concerns.
The adoption of GM crops has also spurred the
development of complementary agrochemical products. Agrochemical companies have
formulated specific pesticides and herbicides designed to enhance the
performance of GM crops. These agrochemicals are tailored to work
synergistically with the genetically modified traits of the crops, maximizing
their effectiveness and yield potential.
Moreover, GM crops have extended the range of crops
that can be cultivated in various regions and under adverse conditions.
Drought-tolerant GM crops, for example, enable farming in arid regions where
water scarcity is a significant challenge. In such cases, agrochemical
companies may develop specialized agrochemical solutions to optimize the
performance of these drought-resistant crops.
The global adoption of GM crops continues to grow,
with millions of hectares of GM crops planted each year. This expansion drives
the demand for associated agrochemicals, benefiting the agrochemicals market.
Segmental Insights
Product Insights
Based on
the Product, fertilizer emerged as the dominant segment in the global market
for Global Agrochemicals Market in 2024. Fertilizers address a fundamental need in agriculture the provision of essential nutrients to crops. With the ever-increasing
global population and the consequent need for enhanced food production, the
demand for fertilizers remains consistently high. Fertilizers cater to a wide
range of crops, including cereals, grains, fruits, vegetables, and more. Their
versatility makes them indispensable in diverse agricultural practices and
geographical regions, further contributing to their dominance.
Application Insights
Based on
the Application, the Cereals & Grains segment emerged as the dominant
player in the global market for Global Agrochemicals Market in 2024. cereals
and grains, such as rice, wheat, maize, and barley, serve as staple foods for
billions of people around the world. These crops form the foundation of diets
in many countries and provide a significant portion of daily calorie intake.
The demand for high yields and quality in cereal and grain production is
therefore consistently high.Cereals
and grains are typically high-yield crops, making them crucial for meeting the
food demands of a growing global population. Agrochemicals, including
fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, play a vital role in optimizing yields
and protecting these crops from pests, diseases, and weeds.
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Regional Insights
Asia-pacific
emerged as the dominant region in the global Agrochemicals Market in 2024,
holding the largest market share. Asia-Pacific is home to a substantial portion of the world's
population, and the region faces increasing food demand due to population
growth and changing dietary preferences. This necessitates higher agricultural
productivity and, consequently, a greater demand for agrochemicals to optimize
crop yields.The region boasts diverse agricultural landscapes, encompassing a
wide range of crops, from staple grains like rice and wheat to cash crops like
tea, coffee, and sugarcane. This diversity creates a robust market for various
agrochemical products tailored to different crop types and cultivation
practices.
Recent Developments
- In May 2025, Biostadt India Limited has launched Pyankor, a post-emergent herbicide specifically designed to combat paddy weeds. Targeting broadleaf weeds, sedges, and grasses, Pyankor ensures effective control during the early growth stages of rice crops. It promotes healthier crop establishment and higher yields. With its unique formulation, Pyankor supports farmers in managing weed resistance and improving overall productivity in paddy cultivation.
- In April 2024, Dhanuka Agritech Limited has launched two innovative agricultural solutions: LaNevo, a broad-spectrum post-emergent insecticide formulated in collaboration with Nissan Chemical Corporation (Japan), and MYCORe Super, an advanced bio‑fertilizer based on endomycorrhizal fungi. Designed for vegetable and high-value crops, LaNevo effectively controls pests like jassid, thrips, whiteflies, leaf miners, and shoot borers while minimizing resistance development. MYCORe Super enhances nutrient and water absorption through root symbiosis, boosting crop quality and yield. The products were first introduced in regions including Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka), and Nashik (Maharashtra), with wider rollout planned across India.
- In August 2024, Syngenta India has launched two innovative crop protection products—Miravis® Duo and Reflect® Top. Miravis® Duo offers broad-spectrum disease control for crops like tomatoes, groundnuts, and grapes, enhancing yield and quality. Reflect® Top is designed to combat sheath blight in rice, providing long-lasting protection. Both products aim to boost farm productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices across India.
- In April 2025, Safex Chemicals has joined forces with Bayer under the Better Life Farming Initiative to support smallholder farmers across India and neighboring regions. Through this partnership, farmers gain access to improved agricultural inputs, training programs, and financial tools. The initiative aims to boost productivity, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices by delivering tailored solutions, hands-on guidance, and market linkages to underserved rural communities.
Key Market Players
- Solvay SA
- Dow Inc.
- Huntsman International LLC
- Evonik Industries AG
- BASF SE
- Bayer AG
- Nufarm Limited
- Croda International Plc
- Helena Agri-Enterprises, LLC
- FMC Corporation
|
By Product
|
By Application
|
By Region
|
- Fertilizers
- Crop Protection
Chemicals
- Plant Growth
Regulators
- Others
|
- Cereals
& Grains
- Oilseeds
& Pulses
- Fruits &
Vegetable
- Others
|
- North
America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South
America
- Middle East
& Africa
|
Report Scope:
In this report, the Global Agrochemicals
Market has been segmented into the
following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been
detailed below:
- Agrochemicals Market, By Product:
o Fertilizers
o Crop Protection Chemicals
o Plant Growth Regulators
o Others
- Agrochemicals Market, By Application:
o Cereals & Grains
o Oilseeds & Pulses
o Fruits & Vegetable
o Others
- Agrochemicals Market,
By Region:
o North America
§ United States
§ Canada
§ Mexico
o Europe
§ France
§ United Kingdom
§ Italy
§ Germany
§ Spain
o Asia-Pacific
§ China
§ India
§ Japan
§ Australia
§ South Korea
o South America
§ Brazil
§ Argentina
§ Colombia
o Middle East & Africa
§ South Africa
§ Saudi Arabia
§ UAE
§ Egypt
Competitive Landscape
Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies
present in the Global Agrochemicals Market.
Available Customizations:
Global Agrochemicals Market report with the given market data, TechSci
Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The
following customization options are available for the report:
Company Information
- Detailed analysis and
profiling of additional market players (up to five).
Global Agrochemicals Market is an upcoming report to be released soon.
If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of
release, please contact us at [email protected]