Crop Scouting Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Classic Crop Scouting v/s Digital Crop Scouting), By Application (Insect Scouting, Crop Disease Scouting, Weed Scouting, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Crop Scouting Market was valued at USD 361.27 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 994.31 million in the forecast period with a CAGR of 18.34% through 2030. Driving the demand for crop scouting solutions is the increasing global focus on precision agriculture to improve crop yields and optimize input use. As food security becomes a critical concern due to rising population and climate uncertainties, farmers are increasingly turning to data-driven techniques for early pest and disease detection, soil health monitoring, and overall crop management. The integration of advanced technologies such as drones, IoT sensors, satellite imagery, and AI-powered analytics is transforming crop scouting from manual inspections to real-time, scalable operations, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and minimize crop losses.

Key Market Drivers

Increase in Adoption of Smartphones in Agriculture

The widespread adoption of smartphones in the agricultural sector is revolutionizing traditional farming practices by providing farmers with real-time access to information and decision-making tools. According to recent data, over 70% of farmers in India now use smartphones for agricultural purposes, reflecting a significant behavioral shift. These devices enable farmers to access weather forecasts, soil analysis reports, pest alerts, and government schemes directly from their fields, reducing reliance on intermediaries and improving the timeliness of interventions. As smartphone penetration deepens, more farmers are becoming digitally empowered.

In developed nations, smartphone usage in agriculture is also expanding, driven by tech-savvy younger generations entering the farming sector. A 2024 survey revealed that nearly 68% of U.S. farmers under the age of 40 regularly use smartphones for crop monitoring, equipment control, and accessing precision agriculture apps. These devices support cloud-based platforms that integrate with IoT sensors and drones, enhancing data collection and analysis. The growing ecosystem of agricultural apps is making crop scouting more accurate, user-friendly, and scalable across various farm sizes.

In emerging economies, government initiatives and private sector programs are driving smartphone accessibility in rural areas. Initiatives promoting digital inclusion have resulted in increased mobile internet penetration, enabling farmers to use smartphones not just for communication but also for receiving agronomic advice, training videos, and digital marketplaces. This evolution is making crop scouting tools more widely available and reducing the knowledge gap between large and small-scale farmers. As rural connectivity improves, smartphone-based scouting solutions are expected to become integral to everyday farm management.

Moreover, smartphone integration is playing a key role in connecting farmers to global agricultural networks and platforms. With camera-enabled phones, farmers can now capture images of crops and receive AI-generated diagnostics and treatment suggestions within minutes. Social media platforms are also becoming learning tools where farmers share the best practices and solutions. This level of connectivity and real-time communication is enhancing collaborative learning and decision-making. As smartphone affordability increases and app developers tailor solutions to regional needs, their role in crop scouting is set to grow exponentially.

Increase in Adoption of Smartphones in Agriculture

Smartphone adoption is revolutionizing access to agricultural data. In the United States, approximately 90% of farmers now use smartphones daily for crop monitoring, weather updates, and equipment management. These devices serve as portable command centers, giving farmers instant access to pest alerts, soil health metrics, and satellite imagery. That real-time connectivity significantly shortens reaction times when addressing field issues. By transforming phones into agricultural hubs, farmers—regardless of farm size—can make faster, more informed decisions and thereby reduce waste and improve crop outcomes.

In emerging markets, localized mobile platforms are closing knowledge gaps. Across Southeast Asia, about 55% of farmers rely on smartphone apps for planting guidance, irrigation schedules, and real-time market pricing. These apps function offline and are available in regional languages, making them accessible to smallholder farmers with limited connectivity. Using built-in phone features like GPS and cameras, smartphones help small farms adopt precision practices—such as targeted pest control and optimized planting windows—without needing high-end equipment. Consequently, handheld devices are integral in turning traditional agriculture into tech-savvy operations.

Empowering precision agriculture through AI-driven mobile tools. In parts of India’s agricultural belt, farmers using AI-enabled smartphone apps reported a 40% increase in yields and 50% reduction in production costs for staple crops like wheat and rice. By uploading field photos via mobile, farmers receive instant recommendations on watering, fertilization, and pest control. Such targeted interventions were once limited to expensive sensors and agronomists but are now accessible through handheld technology. As smartphones become more affordable and apps more intelligent, precision farming is no longer exclusive to large operations.

Smartphones fostering collaboration and digital inclusion. In West Africa, despite only around 20% of rural households owning smartphones, farmers with devices who engaged in digital training programs saw their farm incomes increase by at least 50%. Smartphones grant access to digital marketplaces, peer-to-peer networks, and microfinance services, through chatbots and group messaging platforms. Real-time sharing of photos, videos, and success tips fosters a strong sense of community learning. As device affordability rises and rural digital infrastructure strengthens, smartphone-driven collaboration will continue to uplift productivity and resilience among small-scale farmers.

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Key Market Challenges

Limited Digital Literacy Among Farmers

Limited digital literacy among farmers stands as a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of crop scouting technologies. In many developing and underdeveloped regions, a large portion of the farming community is unfamiliar with using smartphones, mobile applications, or digital platforms designed for agricultural purposes. Even when farmers own smartphones, they may lack the knowledge or confidence to navigate apps that offer scouting insights, disease alerts, or weather forecasts. This results in underutilization of valuable technological tools that could enhance productivity. Compounding the issue is a generational divide, with older farmers often preferring traditional farming practices over digital interventions. Without adequate training and support, these technologies remain inaccessible or intimidating. As a result, despite technological advancements, the full potential of crop scouting remains untapped among a significant share of the global farming population.

Bridging the digital literacy gap requires consistent investment in farmer education, localized content, and on-ground extension support. Training programs need to be conducted in regional languages, using visual aids and demonstration-based learning to simplify complex concepts. Collaboration between governments, agritech companies, and NGOs can play a pivotal role in promoting digital awareness and usability. Moreover, developing highly intuitive and user-friendly applications tailored to the skill level of rural farmers can accelerate adoption. Peer learning and success stories shared within farming communities can also boost confidence and drive behavioral change. Without addressing this foundational issue, even the most advanced crop scouting technologies will struggle to scale effectively in rural markets, ultimately limiting their impact on productivity and sustainability.

Key Market Trends

Rise of AI and Machine Learning for Predictive Scouting

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in crop scouting is transforming the way farmers monitor and manage their fields. These technologies enable the processing of vast amounts of data—from satellite imagery, drone feeds, and IoT sensors—to detect early signs of diseases, pest infestations, and nutrient deficiencies. Unlike manual scouting, AI models can analyze environmental variables in real time and predict potential threats with high accuracy, allowing timely interventions. For example, AI-powered platforms can generate early warnings for blight or rust based on weather patterns and field conditions. This predictive capability reduces crop loss, enhances resource optimization, and improves overall yield quality. Additionally, machine learning continuously improves with more data, refining its recommendations over time. As AI becomes more accessible, even smallholder farmers are beginning to benefit from precise, data-driven decision-making.

Moreover, AI-powered scouting tools are becoming more user-centric, supporting mobile integration and vernacular languages to enhance farmer engagement. Many platforms now use image recognition and deep learning models that allow farmers to upload photos of diseased crops and receive instant diagnostics and treatment suggestions. These applications are often integrated with localized advisory services that recommend region-specific actions based on soil types, crop cycles, and climate trends. As the cost of computing decreases and internet connectivity improves, the deployment of such smart solutions is accelerating. Governments and agritech companies are also investing in AI-based research to enhance food security and sustainability. This rise in AI adoption is not just a technological shift—it’s reshaping global agricultural practices toward precision, efficiency, and resilience.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on the Type, Classic Crop Scouting emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Crop Scouting Market in 2024. This is due to its widespread familiarity, cost-effectiveness, and minimal reliance on advanced infrastructure. Many farmers, especially in developing regions, continue to prefer traditional visual inspections of crops for pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Classic crop scouting is labor-intensive but does not require high-tech devices like drones or sensors, making it accessible to small and medium-scale farmers. Moreover, agronomists and farm advisors still rely heavily on manual scouting as it allows for direct, in-field assessment and immediate decision-making. While digital tools are on the rise, classic methods remain deeply ingrained in farming practices due to their practicality, proven results, and low entry barriers. Training for manual scouting is also more readily available, contributing to its continued dominance in the market.

Application Insights

Based on the Application, Insect Scouting emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Crop Scouting Market in 2024. This is due to its vital role in early pest detection, which directly influences crop health and yield protection. Insect scouting enables farmers to monitor pest populations, identify infestation thresholds, and apply targeted treatments—reducing unnecessary pesticide use and input costs. With rising pest pressures due to climate change and shifting agricultural practices, the demand for timely, accurate pest monitoring has surged. Additionally, the integration of AI-powered image recognition, mobile apps, and remote sensing tools has enhanced insect scouting’s precision, scalability, and adoption across farms globally.

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Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific emerged as the dominant region in the Global Crop Scouting Market in 2024. This is driven by rapid adoption of precision agriculture technologies, strong government support, and increasing smartphone penetration among farmers. Countries like India and China are investing heavily in agri-digital infrastructure, promoting the use of IoT devices, drones, and AI-powered scouting apps. Additionally, the presence of a large farming population, rising pest pressures, and growing awareness of sustainable practices are accelerating adoption. Regional agritech startups are also offering affordable, localized solutions, making crop scouting more accessible across small and large farms alike.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Viscon unveiled its EVA Scoutr at GreenTech Amsterdam 2025—an innovative Level 4 autonomous scouting robot engineered for high-tech greenhouses. Scanning up to 4.5 ha daily, EVA detects over 15 pests, diseases, and nutrient issues with ±10 cm precision—even under LED or night conditions. Its AI-powered vision, onboard data analytics, and silent navigation drastically reduce crop loss, chemical use, and labor input, setting a new sustainability benchmark.
• In April 2025, SkyScout gives farmers a predictive edge through AI-powered aerial insights. Launched by Landus, SkyScout combines drone and fixed‑wing imagery with AI and predictive analytics, delivering high‑resolution field scans every 12 days. It identifies stress, weeds, nutrient deficiencies, and disease—with up to 95% accuracy—and thermal imaging projects disease outbreaks up to two weeks in advance.
• In June 2025, Viscon Group has unveiled EVA Scoutr, a Level 4 autonomous scouting robot for high-tech greenhouses. Scanning up to 4.5 ha daily, EVA detects over 15 pests, diseases, and nutrient issues with ±10 cm accuracy—even under LED and nighttime conditions. It autonomously navigates, generates AI-powered heatmaps, and enables early, targeted interventions to cut crop loss and chemical usage—marking a leap forward in sustainable greenhouse protection.
• In October 2024, Syngenta Crop Protection and Taranis Partner to Drive AI‑Powered Agronomy Solutions. Syngenta and Taranis have launched a multi‑year collaboration providing agricultural retailers with leaf-level (0.3 mm/pixel) remote scouting and generative AI insights via the Ag Assistant™ engine. The partnership integrates Cropwise with Taranis’ AI intelligence to enable real-time pest, disease, weed, and nutrient detection. It streamlines scout-to-recommendation workflows and supports conservation initiatives, boosting retailer efficiency and farmer profitability.

Key Market Players

• Crop Quest, Inc.
• EOS Data Analytics Inc.
• United Prairie LLC
• FieldX Inc.
• BASF Digital Farming GmbH (Xarvio)
• Sylvite AG
• Nutrien Ag Solutions, Inc
• SGS SA
• Taranis
• Antara AG

Report Scope:

In this report, global crop scouting market has been segmented into following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Crop Scouting Market, By Type:
• Classic Crop Scouting
• Digital Crop Scouting

•       Crop Scouting Market, By Application:

o   Insect Scouting

o   Crop Disease Scouting

o   Weed Scouting

 o   Others

• Crop Scouting Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Australia
• Europe
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  South Africa

§  UAE

§  Israel

§  Turkey

§  Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in global crop scouting market.

Available Customizations:

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).

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