SEED TREATMENT MARKET ANALYSIS

Seed Treatment MarketSize and Trends

Global seed treatment market size is expected to reach US$ 30.28 Bn by 2031, from US$ 16.06 Bn in 2023, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

Global Seed Treatment Market Trends:

Rising popularity of biological/natural seed treatment solutions: Global seed treatment market is observing significant shift towards more biological and natural seed treatment solutions driven by growing environmental and sustainability concerns among farmers and regulators. With traditional chemical-based seed treatment products facing increased scrutiny over their potential environmental impact, seed companies are investing heavily in developing natural and organic seed treatment options. Some of the biological products gaining popularity include microbial such as fungal and bacterial inoculants. These beneficial microbes help the seeds to develop resistance to diseases and boost plant immunity without involving chemicals. Seed coating technologies are also advancing to efficiently apply microbial solutions while ensuring their viability. Various plant extracts that are derived from neem, ginger, turmeric, and others are commonly used natural fungicides and pesticides replacing synthetic chemicals. Many seed treatment formulations incorporate natural plant-based components and nutrients that support early plant growth along with providing protection.

Growth in the adoption of treated genetically modified seeds: Growing adoption of genetically modified seeds has significantly impacted the global seed treatment market from 2022 to 2023. As genetically modified seeds are designed to be resistant to certain pests and diseases, they require intensive seed treatment compared to conventional seeds. Seed treatment protects the seeds and seedlings from damage due to early season pests, pathogens and abiotic stresses. This ensures enhanced germination and crop establishment.

As genetically modified seed technology continues to evolve with new developments such as herbicide tolerant and insect resistant traits, it is driving greater seed treatment needs. With higher weed control issues that are reported in herbicide tolerant crops, seed companies are treating genetically modified seeds with stronger mixtures of insecticides, fungicides, and bactericides. For instance, in 2022, major seed producers like Monsanto and Corteva Agriscience, a leader in providing a wide range of agricultural products and solutions, including seeds, crop protection products, and digital agriculture, introduced new seed treatment formulations for their drought tolerant and late blight resistant GM corn and soybean seeds launched in 2022. These new seed treatments offer multi-modal protection against soil borne diseases as well as above ground sucking pests that were previously not a concern.