China Seeds Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

China Seeds Market Growth

The seed market of China is poised for momentous growth due to major drivers such as growing demand for improved food security and quality, an increase in income levels, and innovations in technology for seed manufacturing. Additionally, efforts to modernize the agriculture industry are also leading to the growth of China seeds market.

Furthermore, the government is actively supporting the industry through various initiatives for the agricultural sector through subsidies, improving the quality of seeds and detecting faulty and damaged seeds. For instance, a seed certification system has been introduced and seed companies need to register and verify their products for further expansion.

According to China seeds industry analysis, prominent players are striving to consolidate the market by acquiring smaller companies to enhance their reach. Syngenta Group recently acquired a Chinese seed manufacturing company named Dafeng Seed to elevate its presence in the corn sector.

Constant innovations in agricultural technology are a testament to China’s dominance in the seed market. In June 2024, Nature Plants, a scientific journal stated that fully mechanized breeding has been achieved by Chinese researchers as they have found a gene called GSE3 which can easily separate hybrid rice seeds and boost the entire seed production process on a global scale.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Growing food consumption, increasing agricultural production, rise in adoption of GM crops, and use of AI in seed management and research are accelerating the China seeds market value.

May 2024

The Chinese government approved a genetically modified wheat seed for commercial production and sale. The seed is disease-resistant and will significantly enhance the wheat production in the country. Before this, the government approved the commercialisation of 37 genetically modified (GM) corn seeds and 14 GM soybean seeds in December 2023 to enhance production and reduce their overall import.

December 2023

China issued licenses to 26 domestic seed companies for producing, distributing, and selling genetically modified corn and soybean seed varieties. These majorly included companies operating in leading seed-producing provinces such as Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin, and Inner Mongolia. Besides, pan-China market players such as Beijing Dabeinong Technology and China National Seed, owned by global seed-producing company Syngenta were also on the list. The move is expected to reduce Chinese imports of soybean and corn seeds.

September 2023

The Chinese Government developed a national system for certifying quality crop seeds and preventing the sale of faulty products, thereby helping domestic seed producers gain a competitive advantage over other global seed-producing firms. To seek certification, seed companies must file applications to the relevant certification authority approved by the State Administration for Market Regulation. Certified businesses may be exempted from certain checks, and gain preference in bidding on government projects.

March 2022

China revised its seed law, specifically those associated with Plant Variety Rights (PVR), to strengthen intellectual property rights protection for seed producers. Before the revision, only the production, propagation, and sale of newly developed seed varieties were covered under the law. However, the revision extended the protection to treatment for disposing, offering for sale, importing, exporting, and storage of newly developed seeds as well.

Growing Food Consumption Propelling Seeds Market Growth

China, being the second most populous country in the world, is witnessing high demand for food. Moreover, food consumption per capita is rising due to population growth estimated at 0.1% in 2021, according to the World Bank. A further rise in population during the forecast period is expected to propel the growth of the China seeds market to meet the rising demand for food consumption.

Increasing Agriculture Production Leading to Seeds Demand Growth

According to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), China was the leading producer of multiple crops in Asia and the world during 2021. This included maize, rice, wheat, cotton, and rapeseed. Their production is estimated to grow in the coming years, making China a leading agricultural market globally. This is expected to increase the demand for premium quality, high-yielding seeds of major crop varieties.

Adoption of GM Crops Creates New China Seeds Market Opportunities

In the last few years, China has adopted more genetically modified (GM) seed varieties than any other country in the world. The highest market share is held by corn and soybean GM seeds to reduce their imports in the country. In 2024, China also approved the first GM wheat variety to meet the growing demand for wheat in its food industry. GM seeds have enhanced productivity in comparison to conventional varieties due to their high yield, and resistance against several pests, diseases, and extreme temperatures. 

Integration of AI in Seed Management Technologies is Enhancing Seed Production

Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence are being used in China’s seed industry to enhance seed management and research in seed breeding methodologies. Key players are increasingly investing in these technologies eyeing future growth. For instance, the National Nanfan Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), has developed an experimental agriculture field to test the performance of seed varieties using AI technologies, including their growth cycle and the superior quality genome traits. 

China Seeds Industry Segmentation

“China Seeds Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Conventional Seeds
• Genetically Modified Seeds

Market Breakup by Crop Type

• Row Crops 
  • Fiber Crops
  • Forage Crops
  • Grains and Cereals
  • Oil Seeds
  • Pulses
• Vegetables  
  • Brassicas
  • Cucurbits
  • Roots and Bulbs
  • Solanaceae
  • Unclassified Vegetables

Market Breakup by Treatment

• Treated Seeds
• Untreated Seeds

Market Breakup by Trait

• Herbicide Tolerance
• Insect Resistance
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• Shanghai
• Zhejiang
• Guangdong
• Jiangsu
• Beijing

China Seeds Market Share

Based on treatment, the market is divided into treated and untreated seeds. Chinese consumers prefer treated seeds for vegetable and fruit production due to their high nutritional value, immunity against soil-borne diseases and pathogens and premium quality. They also considerably reduce the need for subsequent spray treatments, protecting biodiversity and soil health.

Leading Companies in China Seeds Market

Market players are investing in research and development and striving to meet regional demands.

• BASF SE
• Corteva Inc.
• Syngenta AG
• Groupe Limagrain Holding
• East-West Seed Group
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Bejo Zaden B.V
• Rijk Zwaan Zaadteelt en Zaadhandel B.V.
• Others