Global Seed Treatment Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

Global Seed Treatment Market Size

The global seed treatment market size attained a value of approximately USD 10.20 billion in 2023. The market is further expected to grow in the forecast period of 2024-2032 at a CAGR of 9.70%, reaching a value of around USD 23.48 billion by 2032.

Seed Treatment Market Outlook

• France is the leading European seed producer, with nearly 400,000 hectares in 2021, driving the market demand.

• As per industry reports, Ukraine is the leading exporter of seed oils, with exports valued at USD 5.54 billion in 2022.

• The Netherlands is the top exporter of sowing seeds, with exports valued at USD 1.89 billion in 2022.

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Seed Treatment Market Growth

Seeds and seedlings are susceptible to several soilborne, and foliar pests and insects and pathogens can also damage germinating seeds and young plants. Stressful conditions may trigger pathogens that might damage seeds and lead to losses. Seed treatment offers protection to seeds against attacks by insects and pathogens. Methods of seed treatment include fungicidal and insecticidal dressing, hardening, fortification, pelleting, infusion, osmotic priming, fluid drilling, separation of viable seeds.

Seed treatments are carried out to prevent spread of plant diseases, protect seeds from seed rot and seedling blights, improve germination, provide protection from storage insects, and regulate soil insects. Such need to protect seeds from various types of organisms and diseases is likely to fuel seed treatment market expansion.  Additionally, growing awareness among farmers about the importance of seed quality and the adoption of modern farming practices is expected to drive the uptake of seed treatment solutions. Furthermore, the market is also driven by the need for integrated pest-management practices and organic farming methods.

Key Trends and Developments

Advancements in seed treatment technology, popularity of hybrid and genetically modified seeds, and increased focus on crop protection are factors boosting the seed treatment market growth

June 2024

The Novo Nordisk Foundation has awarded a grant of up to USD 21.1 million to CIMMYT for the CropSustaiN initiative, which aims to reduce the nitrogen footprint of wheat cultivation by developing new wheat varieties using biological nitrification inhibition (BNI).

June 2024

The Inverness Graham Green Light Fund has invested in My Yield, a company that specialises in seed treatment technology to boost agricultural productivity. The investment aims to accelerate the development innovative seed treatment solutions.

June 2024

The Tamil Nadu government has launched the "Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom" scheme to preserve soil fertility and improve soil health. The INR 206 crore scheme will distribute green manure seeds to two lakh farmers, which can increase soil nutrients and protect microorganisms.

June 2024

BASF SE has introduced Nemasphere, a nematode resistance trait stacked with Enlist E3 herbicide-tolerant technology to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the number one yield-robbing pest in soybeans, which costs soybean growers an estimated USD 1.5 billion in yield loss annually.

Advancements in seed treatment technology

Advancements in seed treatment technology is a key trend shaping the seed treatment market outlook as new products and techniques are being developed to improve seed quality. For example, biological seed treatments that use beneficial microorganisms to control pests and diseases are gaining popularity.

Rising popularity of hybrid and genetically modified seeds

The seed treatment market development is influenced by the growing popularity of hybrid and genetically modified seeds. As the demand for these seeds increases, so does the demand for seed treatments that can effectively protect and enhance their quality.

Increased focus on crop protection and yield enhancement

Farmers are seeking solutions that can improve crop yields while reducing losses due to pests and diseases. Seed treatments that offer these benefits are gaining popularity, as they help farmers maintain profitability and meet the growing demand for food.

Seed Treatment Market Trends

Fine quality seeds are important in improving the quality of crops, farming, and supporting businesses. Hence, the increasing awareness about seed quality among farmers is escalating the demand for seed treatment products. Reportedly, India has developed a significant number of high-quality seed varieties through research by institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs). Additionally, common occurrence of pests and fungi are surging the demand for insecticide seed treatment and seed treatment fungicides to ensure quality of the product.

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Seed Treatment Industry Segmentation

The EMR’s report titled “Seed Treatment Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Synthetic
  • Fungicides
  • Insecticides
  • Others
• Biological   
  • Bio Pesticides
  • Bio Fertiliser
  • Bio Stimulants

Market Breakup by Function

• Seed Protection

• Seed Enhancement

Market Breakup by Treatment Method

• Seed Coating

• Seed Dressing

• Seed Pelleting

Market Breakup by Stage of Seed Treatment

• On-Farm

• Off-Farm

Market Breakup by Crop Type

• Cereals 

• Oilseeds 

• Fruits and Vegetables

• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America 

• Europe 

• Asia Pacific 

• Latin America 

• Middle East and Africa

Seed Treatment Market Share

Synthetic seed treatment offers a cost-effective solution whereas biological chemicals treat seeds for longer duration

Synthetic chemicals hold the largest market share due to the high demand for chemical treatments, particularly in regions like Asia Pacific where the agricultural sector is heavily reliant on chemical inputs. Synthetic chemicals are fungicides or insecticides applied to seeds to control seeds and seedlings from diseases, and they are known for their quick action in controlling plant diseases and pests, making them a popular choice among farmers.

As per seed treatment market analysis, biologicals, on the other hand, are expected to exhibit substantial growth, driven by the increasing demand for eco-friendly agricultural practices. Biologicals are made up of renewable resources that contain naturally occurring active ingredients that protect against soil-borne pathogens, improve abiotic stress, and increase plant growth. They also do not leave residues in agricultural products. Moreover, regions like Europe has a target of reducing the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% till 2030, which can drive the adoption of biopesticides and biofertilisers.

Seed coating segment holds a significant market share due to its ability to protect seeds from external factors

The seed coating segment is expected to account for the largest seed treatment market share due to the increasing need to protect seeds from external factors such as fungi, parasites, pathogens, and extreme temperatures. The broad-spectrum usage of seed coatings across all crops and the rising commercial value of seeds by enhancing their appearance are driving the growth of this segment.

The seed dressing segment is expected to register the highest CAGR, driven by the increasing development of seed dressing products. Seed dressing allows seeds to germinate quicker than non-treated seeds and promotes early relations with usable and beneficial soil microorganisms. It is the fastest-growing segment in the market, driven by its ability to provide a complete protection solution against different plant stressors.

Leading Manufacturers in the Seed Treatment Market

Market players are focused on developing innovative seed treatment solutions that enhance crop yields and protect seeds from pests and diseases

Bayer CropScience is a leading global agriculture company that develops and sells crop protection products, seeds, and digital farming solutions. Headquartered in Monheim am Rhein, Germany, the company was founded in 2002 as a subsidiary of Bayer AG.

Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) is the world's largest fertiliser cooperative, manufacturing and marketing a wide range of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs for Indian farmers. Based in New Delhi, India, IFFCO was founded in 1967.

Valent BioSciences LLC is a leading global provider of biorational products and technologies for agriculture, public health, and forest health applications. Headquartered in Illinois, United States, the company was founded in 1975. Valent BioSciences help farmers manage pests and diseases.

BioWorks, Inc. is a leading provider of biological pest control and plant health products for the professional horticulture and agriculture markets. Based in New York, United States, the company was founded in 1991. BioWorks’s product also promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Other key players in the global seed treatment market include Syngenta AG, BASF SE, Corteva, FMC Corporation, Incotec, Nufarm US, UPL Ltd., Solvay S.A., Eastman Chemical Company, Novozymes, Verdesian Life Sciences, ITALPOLLINA S.p.A., Croda International plc, Germains Seed Technology, Certis Europe, Lanxess AG, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Precision Laboratories, LLC, Pro Farm Group, Albaugh LLC, and Rizobacter Argentina SA, among others.

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Seed Treatment Market Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific leads the market due to region’s large cultivation areas and high spread of crop infestations

The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for seed treatment globally due to increasing crop infestations in the early growth stages by seed and soil-borne diseases in major crops like cereals, which have larger cultivation areas in the region. Additionally, the proliferation of no-tillage and monoculture farming practices in the region has led to the spread of various insect pests like wireworms, rootworms, and weevils, increasing the demand for insecticide seed treatments.

Moreover, major players like Syngenta Group, Bayer CropScience, and BASF are expanding their footprint in APAC seed treatment market. For instance, Syngenta Group announced plans to expand its seed treatment product offerings and R&D activities in the Asia Pacific region in 2022.

Meanwhile, the North American market is anticipated to witness a healthy growth in the forecast period, driven by the increasing farming activities. The region’s growth is further attributed to the region’s focus on sustainable agriculture and robust research and development activities. Additionally, government initiatives such as the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program support the growth of the market.

Key Highlights of the Report

Seed Treatment Market Report Snapshots

Seed Treatment Market Size

Seed Treatment Market Growth

Seed Treatment Market Trends

Seed Treatment Market Share

Seed Treatment Manufacturers

Seed Treatment Market Regional Analysis