Global Drought-Tolerant Seeds Market - 2025-2032

The global drought-tolerant seeds market reached US$ 2,483.2 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 3,921.4 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

The demand for drought-tolerant seeds has been growing steadily worldwide, driven by increasing concerns over water scarcity, climate change and the need for resilient agricultural practices. Climate change has emerged as a critical driver reshaping the agrarian landscape globally. Erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts and extreme climatic conditions have necessitated the development of resilient seed varieties to ensure sustainable food production.

Farmers and policymakers are increasingly focusing on adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices to mitigate the risks associated with climate variability and safeguard food security. For example, in March 2023, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) played a pivotal role in addressing climate-related agricultural challenges. ICAR, through its National Agricultural Research System (NARS), has developed more than 7,200 high-yielding and stress-tolerant varieties of field and horticultural crops.

Additionally, between 2014-15 and 2022-23, it released 407 precision-bred varieties specifically for extreme climatic conditions, including drought, flood, salinity and heat stress tolerance. These advancements have directly contributed to a 4.57x increase in productivity, boosting food grain yields from 522 kg/ha in 1950-51 to 2,386 kg/ha in 2020-21. By addressing the challenges posed by climate change, ICAR demonstrates the transformative potential of research-driven innovation in fostering resilient agriculture.

Dynamics

Rising Incidence of Droughts and Climate Change

The rising incidence of droughts, intensified by climate change, is driving the growth of the drought-tolerant seed market. Climate change is increasing global temperatures, which accelerates evaporation, prolongs droughts and alters precipitation patterns. It has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts, affecting over 55 million people annually and threatening the livelihoods of millions more. By 2030, as many as 700 million people are at risk of being displaced due to water scarcity caused by prolonged droughts.

The agricultural sector, particularly in drought-prone regions, faces significant challenges. Crop failures due to water shortages are common, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. With water scarcity already impacting 40% of the world's population, the demand for drought-tolerant crops is growing. These seeds offer a solution to ensure crop survival in arid conditions, making them essential for regions heavily dependent on agriculture.

Droughts not only impact food production but also strain water resources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and health crises, further underscoring the importance of developing crops that can thrive in water-scarce environments. The global trend toward more frequent and intense droughts, driven by climate change, is expected to increase the adoption of drought-tolerant seed varieties, making them a key tool for ensuring food security in the face of climate uncertainty.

In addition to agricultural benefits, drought-tolerant seeds contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing water use, ensuring that crops require less water to grow and supporting resilient farming practices. With climate models predicting a rise in dry spells, particularly in already arid regions, the drought-tolerant seed market is positioned for substantial growth, addressing both environmental and economic challenges related to water scarcity.

Advancements in Agricultural Biotechnology

Advancements in agricultural biotechnology, precision farming, nanotechnology, vertical farming and gene editing are significant drivers for the growth of the drought-tolerant seeds market. As climate change intensifies and droughts become more frequent, farmers face mounting pressure to ensure crop resilience under water-scarce conditions.

• Biotechnology and Precision Agriculture - Biotechnological innovations, such as CRISPR-Cas9, enable the development of drought-tolerant crops with enhanced resilience and higher yields. Precision farming further optimizes resource allocation, ensuring efficient water usage and crop adaptability in arid environments.
• Nanotechnology and Vertical Farming - Nanotechnology-based fertilizers ensure plants receive nutrients efficiently, even in water-limited conditions. Vertical farming techniques also support sustainable crop production by optimizing water use in controlled environments.
• Rising Adoption of GM Crops - With 191 million hectares of genetically modified crops under cultivation globally, biotechnology is becoming a cornerstone of agricultural resilience. Drought-tolerant seed varieties, tailored to withstand environmental stresses, are a natural extension of this trend.

As agricultural innovation continues to evolve, the demand for drought-tolerant seeds is poised to grow, driven by the urgent need for climate-resilient farming solutions. These seeds will play a critical role in securing food supply in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

High R&D Costs and Time-Intensive Development

High R&D costs and time-intensive processes are significant restraints for the drought-tolerant seeds market. Developing such seeds requires advanced technologies like genetic engineering and molecular biology to create crops that can thrive under water scarcity. Extensive laboratory research, multi-season field trials and performance evaluations add to the complexity, demanding significant financial and technical resources.

Stringent regulatory requirements further add to these challenges, prolonging the time needed for market entry. Safety assessments and compliance with environmental and health standards require multi-year evaluations, escalating development costs. These regulatory delays particularly disadvantage smaller firms, limiting market participation and innovation in drought-tolerant seeds.

The concentration of R&D capabilities among a few large players further slows innovation and adoption in the market. Smaller companies face financial and technical barriers, reducing competition and availability of these seeds. This dynamic hinders the overall growth potential of the drought-tolerant seeds market despite the increasing need for climate-resilient agriculture solutions.

To overcome these restraints, companies leverage collaborative research initiatives and public-private partnerships to share costs and risks. Streamlining regulatory frameworks and incentivizing innovation can accelerate product development and market entry. These measures could enable broader adoption of drought-tolerant seeds, supporting sustainable agriculture practices globally.

Segment Analysis

The global drought-tolerant seeds market is segmented based on crop type, end-user, seed type, distribution channel and region.

Growing Consumer Interest in Highly Stable and Resistant to Protein Coagulation Milk

The demand for genetically modified (GM) seeds in the drought-tolerant seeds market is growing due to the increasing need for crops that can withstand water scarcity and unpredictable climate conditions. GM seeds are engineered to offer enhanced resistance to drought, making them highly desirable in regions prone to arid and semi-arid climates. This demand is driven by the agricultural sector's need for more resilient, higher-yielding crops that can maintain productivity under limited water availability.

Additionally, GM seeds contribute to improving food security by enabling consistent crop production in challenging environmental conditions. As climate change intensifies, the market for GM drought-tolerant seeds is expected to continue expanding, offering significant growth opportunities for biotechnology companies and seed developers.

For instance, in May 2024, Bioceres Crop Solutions launched its genetically modified HB4 drought-tolerant wheat seeds in Argentina, making the technology available to agricultural input retailers. In 2023, the company outlined plans to scale up the technology through private agreements with farmers and collaborations with seed multipliers ahead of full commercialization. The launch marks a significant step in expanding the reach of drought-tolerant wheat solutions in key markets.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Demand for Drought-Tolerant Seeds in North America

The demand for drought-tolerant seeds in North America is rising due to the increasing frequency of droughts and unpredictable water availability. Climate change has exacerbated these conditions, particularly in key agricultural regions like the Midwest and Canada, where maintaining consistent crop yields during dry spells is critical for farm productivity.

Farmers are adopting drought-tolerant seed varieties to ensure resilience against water scarcity. These seeds reduce the reliance on irrigation, conserve water and help safeguard yields during drought periods. As environmental concerns and the need for sustainable farming practices grow, drought-tolerant seeds are becoming an essential part of modern agricultural solutions.

For instance, in August 2024, Syngenta's recent launch of its NK Seeds corn portfolio exemplifies this demand, with several hybrids designed for drought resistance. Through substantial investment in R&D, Syngenta continues to develop seed solutions that meet the specific needs of North American farmers, providing them with reliable and sustainable options to address water stress and ensure long-term productivity.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Corteva, Bayer AG, Syngenta, UPL, KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA, Arcadia Biosciences, Hefty Seed Company, Mahyco, Redwood Seeds and BASF.

Key Developments

• In October 2024, Moldova, in collaboration with the FAO, launched a drought relief program to support farmers severely impacted by crop losses exceeding 70%. The initiative provides immediate support while enhancing agricultural resilience and sustainability.
• In November 2024, Corteva is set to launch its drought-resistant hybrid Hard Red Winter wheat in North America by 2027. This launch is a key move in advancing climate-resilient wheat varieties. The product aims to address the growing demand for more sustainable farming solutions. The hybrid wheat promises increased yield and better drought tolerance.
• In May 2024, The ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) developed and released a new drought-tolerant tapioca (cassava) variety, Sree Kaveri, aimed at addressing mid-season drought challenges. The variety offers significant agricultural benefits, including a high yield of 51 tonnes per hectare and 28% starch content. This development is the outcome of extensive research involving the evaluation of 30 cassava clones, including indigenous, released and South American varieties.
• In April 2024, Zambia launched pilot projects for drought-tolerant seed varieties at the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI), aimed at bolstering food security amidst extreme weather challenges. The initiative, a partnership between the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), UPL and Advanta Seeds, is designed to equip farmers with climate-resilient crops capable of withstanding unpredictable weather patterns.
• In June 2024, The Federal Government of Nigeria, in partnership with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation and the Institute for Agricultural Research, introduced four new drought and pest-resistant maize varieties. These varieties, launched under the Tela Maize Nigeria program, are expected to significantly boost maize production, with yields potentially rising from 2-3 tonnes to 9-10 tonnes per hectare.
• In March 2023, ICARDA Morocco, in collaboration with INRA-Maroc and Benchaib Semences, developed six new drought-tolerant varieties of durum wheat and barley to combat severe droughts affecting dryland regions like Morocco. Funded by the Crop Trust under the DIIVA-PR project, these climate-resilient varieties are designed to enhance food production, nutritional quality and farmer resilience.

By Crop Type

• Cereals & Grains
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Rice
  • Barley
  • Others
• Oilseeds and Pulses
  • Soybeans
  • Sunflower
  • Others
• Fruits and Vegetables
  • Tomato
  • Potato
  • Others
• Others

By End-User

• Commercial Farming
• Small-Scale Farming
• Research Institutions & Trials

By Seed Type

• Genetically Modified (GM)
• Conventional
• Hybrid

By Distribution Channel

• Direct Sales
• Retailers & Distributors
• E-commerce Platforms
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global drought-tolerant seeds market segmentation based on crop type, end-user, seed type, distribution channel and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points at the drought-tolerant seeds market level for all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global drought-tolerant seeds market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 64 figures and 201 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies