- Summary
- Table Of Content
- Methodology
Crop Protection Chemicals Market Size:
Crop Protection Chemicals Market size is growing with a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024-2031), and the market is projected to be valued at USD 109,675.34 Million by 2031 from USD 72,281.27 Million in 2023.
Crop Protection Chemicals Market Scope & Overview:
Crop protection chemicals are substances used to kill, repel, or prevent pests, diseases, and weeds that pose the threat of damaging crops. These chemicals encompass several categories including herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides among others. Herbicides are used to control unwanted plants or weeds that compete with crops for essential resources including nutrients, water, and sunlight. Insecticides are used to kill or prevent arthropod pests such as insects and mites that damage crops by feeding on leaves, stems, or fruits. Fungicides are used to prevent or prevent fungal diseases that infect plants. These chemicals are primarily developed in powder and liquid formulations for the spectrum of crop types including cereal & grains, oilseeds & pulses, and fruits & vegetables.
Crop Protection Chemicals Market Dynamics - (DRO) :
Key Drivers:
Increasing pest and disease infestations are driving the market.
Climate change, characterized by shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures, creates suitable conditions for pests and diseases to proliferate. Farmers are facing increasing issues from a surge in insect, fungal, and weed infestations. Pests pose a significant threat to agriculture. They damage crops, reduce yields, and compromise the quality of harvested produce.
- For instance, according to the report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization in 2022, it is stated that every year, up to 40% of crop production is lost due to plant pests and diseases. Each year, these losses cost the global economy over USD 220 billion, and invasive insects at least USD 70 billion.
Additionally, the proliferation of fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases among crops results in significant yield losses. Fungal diseases such as late blight in potatoes and powdery mildew in various crops devastate entire fields. To mitigate these issues and safeguard agricultural productivity, farmers are increasingly reliant on crop protection chemicals. These chemicals offer effective solutions to prevent pests and diseases, preventing significant crop losses and ensuring food security. Thus, the escalating prevalence of pest and disease infestations is a prominent factor fueling the crop protection chemicals market expansion.
Advancements in the Mode of Action of Crop Protection Chemicals is Accelerating the Market.
The mode of action refers to how on a molecular and physiological level, the active ingredients in the pesticides kill the pest. One significant advancement is the development of compounds that disrupt specific biochemical pathways in pests. A targeted mode of action ensures the precise delivery of active ingredients, reducing off-target effects. Additionally, the development of systemic pesticides, which are absorbed by plants and transported throughout the plant tissue, provides long-lasting protection against pests and diseases.
RNAi (RNA Interference) technology, targeting specific genes in pests, provides highly specific pest control. Nanotechnology enhances the delivery and performance of active ingredients, optimizing their efficacy. Companies are developing novel chemistries and formulations that focus on novel modes of action minimizing harm to beneficial organisms and the environment.
- For instance, in November 2022, FMC announced the launch of new three modes of action for adastrio fungicide. Adastrio fungicide is a foliar fungicide that combines three modes of action and is the first fungicide to use the newest molecule in the Succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) class, fluindapyr. This fungicide is built to provide broad-spectrum control of key foliar diseases and help protect yield potential all the way through to harvest.
Thus, through continuous innovation, the crop protection chemicals industry is striving to provide effective solutions to ensure food security.
Key Restraints :
Stringent Regulations are Hampering the Crop Protection Chemicals Market Growth.
The crop protection chemicals market experiencing significant constraints due to increasingly stringent regulations that hamper the industry's growth. One of the factors is the rigorous and time-consuming registration processes for new products. These processes involve extensive testing and documentation, significantly increasing time-to-market and associated costs. Moreover, Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), which specify the maximum allowable amount of pesticide residue in food, are becoming increasingly stringent. Non-compliance with MRLs results leads to severe consequences, including product recalls, trade restrictions, and reputational damage.
Environmental impact assessments are another significant regulatory constraint. Manufacturers are required to conduct extensive studies to assess the potential environmental impact of their products, including factors such as water pollution, soil contamination, and biodiversity loss. Stringent environmental regulations lead to restrictions on the use of certain chemicals, particularly those with high persistence or toxicity. The cost of compliance with these regulations is substantial, especially for smaller companies. Furthermore, detailed labeling requirements, including hazard warnings, safety instructions, and environmental impact information, become complex and expensive to implement. Thus, as per the analysis, the impact of these stringent regulations on the crop protection chemicals market expansion is multifaceted.
Future Opportunities :
Adoption of Biopesticides is Expected to Create Potential Crop Protection Chemicals Market Opportunities.
Biopesticides are biologically derived agents used to prevent pests, diseases, and weeds. Unlike synthetic pesticides, they are sourced from natural materials such as plants, microorganisms, or certain minerals. They are environmentally friendly, breaking down rapidly without leaving harmful residues, which helps preserve soil and water quality. They are highly specific, targeting only the intended pests or diseases. They are also safer for humans, reducing the risk of toxicity.
Additionally, biopesticides are a sustainable option, helping to prevent pest resistance over time. Their integration into agricultural practices promotes ecological balance and supports organic farming initiatives, making them a key tool for sustainable agriculture. Thus, owing to the advantages presented by biopesticides, there is a growing focus on their adoption.
- For instance, in September 2024, Simbiose Agro introduced two new biopesticides, the bioinsecticide FlyControl, and the biofungicide FrontierControl. According to the company, FlyControl is the first biological pesticide with an oil dispersion formulation designed to combat the most significant pest Anthonomus grandis. Additionally, it is registered for use in controlling various other pests across multiple crops, such as Bemisia tabaci, Dalbulus maidis, Dichelops melacanthus, Euschistus heros, and more.
Thus, the adoption of biopesticides serves as an opportunistic factor in the overall market.
Crop Protection Chemicals Market Segmental Analysis :
By Type:
Based on type, the market is segmented into herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and others.
Trends in the Type:
- Utilizing advanced technologies to optimize herbicide application and minimize off-target drift.
- Breeding crop varieties with inherent resistance to fungal diseases to reduce fungicide use.
- Increasing requirement for environmentally friendly herbicides with reduced impact on non-target organisms.
The herbicide segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023.
- Herbicides are chemical substances used to kill unwanted plants, or weeds, that compete with crops for nutrients, water, and sunlight. It helps in managing weeds by interfering with their physiological processes.
- Based on their mode of action herbicides are categorized as contact herbicides, systemic herbicides, and translocated herbicides. Systemic herbicides travel through the plant's vascular system to kill unwanted plants. Translocated herbicides move within the plant to reach the roots or other organs whereas contact herbicides only kill the plant parts they come into contact with. The development of novel herbicides is significantly contributing to the trajectory of the segment.
- For instance, in June 2024, Corteva Agriscience announced the launch of Resicore REV herbicide, which offers premier pre- and postemergence corn weed control. The herbicide presents a combination of active ingredients, superior handling, flexibility, and enhanced crop safety.
- Thus, as per the analysis, herbicides play a crucial role in modern agriculture, enabling efficient weed control and ensuring optimal crop yields.
The fungicides segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Fungicides are crop protection chemicals used to prevent fungal diseases that cause significant damage to crops.They are biocidal or synthetic materials and biological organisms applied to eliminate or prevent the growth of fungi or their spores.
- They are categorized based on their mode of action, such as fungicides that inhibit fungal growth or those that disrupt fungal cell membranes.
- Fungicides are widely employed to prevent a variety of fungal diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and blight.
- The development of new fungicides is crucial to combat emerging fungal diseases and to address issues such as fungicide resistance. Thus, fungicides are essential solutions in modern agriculture, playing a crucial role in protecting crops from a wide range of fungal diseases.
By Source :
The form segment is categorized into liquid and powder.
Trends in the Source:
- Development of advanced formulations such as microcapsules and nanoemulsions to improve efficacy.
- Integration of biological control agents with cultural practices and other non-chemical methods to manage pests and diseases.
The synthetic segment accounted for the largest market share in the year 2023.
- Synthetic crop protection chemicals are man-made chemical compounds designed to prevent pests, diseases, and weeds. They offer precise control, rapid action, and long-lasting residual effects.
- They also offer more cost-effective solutions for pest control compared to biological alternatives. Additionally, they persist for longer periods, providing extended protection and reducing the frequency and quantity of applications.
- The continuous innovation in synthetic chemicals such as the development of novel active ingredients with unique modes of action is a significant factor in boosting segment growth.
- For instance, in November 2021,Syngenta Crop Protection announced the launch of PLINAZOLIN technology, a new and innovative active ingredient with a novel Mode of Action for insect control. Its remarkable stability under sunlight and rain allows for extended spray intervals and fewer applications, ultimately boosting crop productivity and quality.
- Thus, synthetic chemicals offer effective and efficient pest control solutions driving the overall segment analysis in crop protection chemicals market trends.
The biological segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Biological crop protection chemicals, also known as biopesticides, are derived from natural sources such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. They offer a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to pest and disease control. Biopesticides work by disrupting the life cycle of pests or by inducing plant defense mechanisms.
- Compared to synthetic pesticides, biopesticides are generally less toxic to humans and the environment. They are also less likely to lead to the development of resistance in pests.
- The increasing requirement for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices is driving the demand for biological chemicals for crop protection. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and health impacts of chemical pesticides, they are increasingly seeking products that are produced using sustainable methods.
By Form:
Based on form, the market is categorized into powder, liquid, and others.
Trends in the Form:
- Blending multiple active ingredients into powder formulations to provide broader spectrum control and resistance management.
- Increasing use of ultra-low volume formulations to reduce application rates and minimize environmental impact.
The liquid segment accounted for the largest crop protection chemicals market share of 41.05% in the year 2023 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Liquid formulations of crop protection chemicals include suspension solutions, emulsifiable concentrates, microencapsulated suspensions, and aerosols.
- They are applied using various methods, including compressed air sprayers, foggers, soil injectors, aircraft, low-pressure boom sprayers, high-pressure sprayers, and ultra-low-volume sprayers.
- They offer several advantages, including precise application, ease of handling, and compatibility with modern agricultural equipment.
- Liquid formulations are further categorized into emulsifiable concentrates, soluble concentrates, and suspension concentrates.
- Ease of application and handling, precise application, rapid action, compatibility with modern equipment, and reduced dust exposure among others are the prominent factors driving the adoption of liquid form.
- For instance, in July 2023, Agrochemical firm Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) unveiled a new insecticide called Mission, effective for controlling different lepidopteran pests in crops such as paddy, sugarcane, soybean, and vegetables among others. The new product is available in liquid formulations.
- Overall, the aforementioned factors are driving the adoption of liquid formulations.
By Crop Type:
Based on crop type, the market is categorized into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others.
Trends in the Crop Type:
- The emergence of new pests and diseases resistant to traditional pesticides is the trend creating the need for innovative solutions.
- The development of specialized crop protection solutions for niche crops, such as medicinal plants and herbs.
The cereals & grains segment accounted for the largest crop protection chemicals market share in the year 2023.
- Cereals and grains, including wheat, rice, corn, and barley among others are staple food crops globally. These crops are susceptible to a variety of pests, diseases, and weeds, which significantly impact yields and quality.
- To protect these crops, farmers rely on a wide range of crop protection chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides among others.Common herbicide targets in cereals and grains include broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds, and annual ryegrass.
- The factors such as increasing disease incidence and pest pressure coupled with increasing crop losses are leading to heavy reliance on chemical pesticides in cereals. Additionally, changing climatic conditions such as rising heat stress and the emergence of resistant pests and diseases are boosting the requirement for chemicals used for cereals and grains protection.
- Overall, the cereals and grains segment is a major consumer of crop protection chemicals market trends due to the significant impact of pests, diseases, and weeds on crop yields.
The fruits & vegetables segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
- Fruits and vegetables, including a diverse range of crops such as tomatoes, apples, grapes, and leafy greens, are particularly susceptible to pests, diseases, and weeds.
- The requirement for protection chemicals in the fruit and vegetable segment is driven by increasing consumer demand for fresh produce, strict food safety standards, and the growing popularity of organic farming. As a result, there is a growing emphasis on developing more sustainable and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, such as biological control agents and integrated pest management strategies.
- For instance, in December 2023, the S. Environmental Protection Agency registered Greenlight Biosciences' biopesticide products containing the new active ingredient Ledprona for three years, a timeframe that is consistent with EPA’s approach to other novel biopesticide products. Ledprona is a sprayable double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) product that targets the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), a major pest of potato crops.
- Overall, there is a growing requirement for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions creating opportunities for the segment in the upcoming years.
Regional Analysis:
The regional segment includes North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.
In 2023, Asia Pacific accounted for the highest market share at 37.02% and was valued at USD 26,758.53 Million and is expected to reach USD 40,711.48 Million in 2031. In Asia Pacific, China accounted for the highest share of 68.85% during the base year of 2023. The Asia-Pacific region is a major market for crop protection chemicals, driven by the region's large agricultural sector and increasing demand for food. Countries including China and India are large agricultural economies with significant production of several crop types such as grains & cereals and fruits & vegetables making them prominent consumers of these chemicals.
- For instance, based on the analysis provided by the World Economic Forum in August 2022, it is stated that China is the world’s largest wheat producer and has yielded more than 2.4 billion tonnes of wheat in the last 20 years, around 17% of total production.
Additionally, the region's diverse climatic conditions and varied agricultural practices create a diverse range of pest and disease challenges, necessitating the use of various chemicals for crop protection. Moreover, there is a growing focus on sustainable and integrated pest management practices across the region. The development of innovative crop protection technologies, such as biological control agents and precision agriculture, also contributes to the expansion of the market in the Asia Pacific region. The combination of the aforementioned factors and trends is driving substantial growth in the Asia Pacific crop protection chemicals market share.
Europe is a significant player in the global crop protection chemicals market demand, characterized by stringent regulations and a strong emphasis on sustainable agriculture. The region has a diverse agricultural landscape, including arable crops, horticulture, and specialty crops. Additionally, the European Union has implemented strict regulations to minimize the environmental impact of synthetic pesticides. This has driven the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly crop protection solutions, such as biological control agents, biopesticides, and integrated pest management strategies. Moreover, the European Union's focus on reducing pesticide residues in food has led to the development of low-toxicity and highly specific chemicals used for crop protection. Furthermore, the growing focus on organic farming presents a positive impact on the development of biopesticides.
Based on the crop protection chemicals market analysis, the Middle East and Africa region presents a complex and diverse landscape for these chemicals. While some countries, particularly in the Middle East, have advanced agricultural practices and rely heavily on chemical pesticides, other regions in Africa face challenges such as food insecurity, and limited access to modern agricultural technologies. One of the major challenges in the MEA region is the increasing prevalence of pests and diseases, driven by factors such as climate change, globalization, and the emergence of resistant strains. To combat these challenges, farmers in the region rely on a variety of chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. As the region's economies develop, there is an increasing demand for food, which drives the need for effective crop protection solutions. However, the market is fragmented, with different countries having varying levels of agricultural development and regulatory frameworks.
Latin America presents a dynamic agricultural landscape, characterized by diverse crops and climatic conditions. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are major agricultural producers, cultivating crops such as soybeans, corn, and sugarcane. The region's favorable climate and vast arable land make it a suitable environment for agriculture, driving the requirement for effective crop protection solutions. Several factors are contributing to the Latin American crop protection chemicals market growth. Increasing pest and disease pressure, driven by climate change and evolving pest resistance, necessitates the use of advanced crop protection solutions. Additionally, the rising consumer demand for high-quality, pesticide-free food is pushing farmers to adopt integrated pest management strategies, including the use of pesticides. Government initiatives promoting agricultural productivity and food security are further stimulating the crop protection chemicals market demand.
Top Key Players & Market Share Insights:
The Crop Protection Chemicals market is highly competitive with major players providing products to the national and international markets. Key players are adopting several strategies in research and development (R&D) and product innovation to hold a strong position in the global Crop Protection Chemicals market. Key players in the Crop Protection Chemicals industry include-
- Bayer Group (Germany)
- Corteva (U.S.)
- Sumitomo Chemical (Japan)
- ADAMA (India)
- Yara (Norway)
Recent Industry Developments :
Product Launch
- In September 2024, Simbiose Agro introduced two new biopesticides, the bioinsecticide FlyControl, and the biofungicide FrontierControl. FlyControl is the first biological pesticide with an oil dispersion formulation designed to combat the most significant pest the Anthonomus grandis.
- In June 2024, Corteva Agriscience announced the launch of Resicore REV herbicide, which offers premier pre- and postemergence corn weed control. The herbicide presents a combination of active ingredients, superior handling, flexibility, and enhanced crop safety.
- In July 2023, Agrochemical firm Insecticides (India) Limited (IIL) launched a new insecticide called Mission, effective for controlling different lepidopteran pests in crops such as paddy, sugarcane, soybean, and vegetables among others. The new product is available in liquid formulations.
- In November 2022, FMC launched a new three modes of action foliar fungicide targeting late-season diseases, adastrio fungicide. Adastrio fungicide is a foliar fungicide that combines three modes of action and is the first fungicide to use the newest molecule in the SDHI class, fluindapyr.
Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report Insights :
| Report Attributes | Report Details |
| Study Timeline | 2018-2031 |
| Market Size in 2031 | USD 109,675.34 Million |
| CAGR (2024-2031) | 5.4% |
| By Type |
|
| By Source |
|
| By Form |
|
| By Crop Type |
|
| By Region |
|
| Key Players |
|
| North America | U.S. Canada Mexico |
| Europe | U.K. Germany France Spain Italy Russia Benelux Rest of Europe |
| APAC | China South Korea Japan India Australia ASEAN Rest of Asia-Pacific |
| Middle East and Africa | GCC Turkey South Africa Rest of MEA |
| LATAM | Brazil Argentina Chile Rest of LATAM |
| Report Coverage |
|
Key Questions Answered in the Report
How big is the Crop Protection Chemicals market? +
In 2023, the Crop Protection Chemicals market is USD 72,281.27 Million.
Which is the fastest-growing region in the Crop Protection Chemicals market? +
North America is the fastest-growing region in the Crop Protection Chemicals market.
What specific segmentation details are covered in the Crop Protection Chemicals market? +
Type, Source, Form, and Crop Type segmentation details are covered in the Crop Protection Chemicals market
Who are the major players in the Crop Protection Chemicals market? +
Syngenta (Switzerland), BASF SE (Germany), Bayer Group (Germany) are some of the major players in the market.
