India Pesticide Market By Product Type, By Formulation, By Crop, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F

India Pesticide Market was valued at USD 321.52 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 508.29 Million in the forecast period with a CAGR of 8.01% through 2030. Pesticides are substances used to control, prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate any pest ranging from insects, animals and weeds to microorganisms such as fungi, molds, bacteria, and viruses. Primarily used in agriculture to maximize crop yield, pesticides can also be found in non-agricultural settings like homes, schools, and public spaces for pest management. However, while effective, repeated or improper use of pesticides can lead to environmental harm and potential health risks.

The pesticide market in India is one of the largest in the world, primarily driven by its vast agricultural sector. A significant share of the Indian population relies on farming for their livelihood, necessitating the use of pesticides to protect crops and maximize yield. This has led to a robust and growing market for pesticide manufacturers and suppliers.

Key Market Drivers

Increased Awareness of The Benefits of Pesticides Among Farmers

The rising awareness among Indian farmers regarding the advantages of pesticides is anticipated to fuel the demand for these products in the coming years. Pesticides play a pivotal role in enhancing crop yield, controlling pests, and reducing plant diseases, thus directly contributing to the overall agricultural productivity. Recent years have witnessed a tangible shift among the farming community toward understanding the benefits of these substances, primarily driven by government initiatives and agro-based organizations' outreach. The farmers are now more informed about how judicious usage of pesticides can lead to a significant reduction in crop loss while ensuring the quality and quantity of the yield.

On average, pesticide treatment covers 65% of the area dedicated to fiber crops in India, followed by 50% for fruits, 46% for vegetables, 43% for spices, 28% for oilseeds, and 23% for pulses. The advent of eco-friendly and bio-pesticides has assuaged earlier concerns related to environmental degradation, further propelling their acceptance. With increasing population and the ensuing pressure on the agricultural sector to meet the food demands, the importance of pesticides is further highlighted. The expansion of e-commerce platforms selling agricultural inputs offers easy access to quality pesticides even in remote regions, thus ensuring a wider reach. All these factors collectively point towards a substantial escalation in the demand for pesticides in India in the near future.

Technological Advancements in Pesticide Formulation

Technological advancements in pesticide formulation are poised to significantly increase the demand for pesticides in India. Biopesticides account for 5% of the global crop protection market, while in India they represent only 3%. Biopesticide production in India makes up 4.2% of the total pesticides market. Although 287 pesticides are registered for use in India, with technical pesticides being produced domestically, only around 14 biopesticides have been registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIBRC). As a country with a prominent agrarian sector, efficiency in crop protection is pivotal to India's food security and agricultural sustainability. Modern pesticide formulations, powered by technology, offer enhanced efficacy and targeted application, reducing wastage and increasing cost-effectiveness.

The Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT), an autonomous institution established in 1991 under the Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India, is the only organization dedicated to developing advanced, environmentally-friendly pesticide formulation technologies. Its core activities include formulation development, analytical characterization, and bioscience studies. IPFT also operates a pilot plant to demonstrate the manufacturing process of pesticide formulations on a pilot scale. The institute undertakes in-house projects, grant-in-aid initiatives, industry-sponsored collaborations, and project-based partnerships with academia and industry. IPFT conducts interdisciplinary research, analysis, and efficacy studies using cutting-edge analytical and biological equipment. Additionally, it is in the process of establishing an EcoTox facility to further enhance its capabilities. IPFT actively provides R&D support, quality control, and regulatory data generation services to the agrochemical and related industries. To date, it has successfully developed and transferred 80 pesticide formulations to various agrochemical companies for commercial use. The institute is also focused on developing biopesticide alternatives to synthetic pesticides for diverse applications.

These formulations can precisely combat specific pests, ensuring minimal harm to non-target species and the environment. Technological developments have led to the creation of slow-release formulations, increasing the duration of protection and reducing the frequency of application, further fueling demand. Biodegradable and less toxic formulations are also emerging due to technological advancements, aligning with the global trend towards environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices. This is expected to appeal to the increasingly environmentally conscious Indian farmers and agricultural stakeholders, thereby boosting pesticide demand further. The Indian government's push for digital literacy and smart farming is also encouraging the adoption of advanced pesticide formulation technology. Hence, these technological advancements, coupled with growing awareness and governmental support, are set to propel the demand for pesticides in India.

Key Market Challenges

Strict Regulations on Pesticide

Strict regulations on pesticides are expected to notably diminish their demand within the Indian agricultural sector. The government has initiated stringent measures to monitor the use of pesticides, necessitated by the increasing awareness of their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Such regulations restrict the overuse and misuse of these chemicals, making farmers reconsider their habitual pesticide usage. Subsequently, they are more prone to opt for organic farming practices and bio-pesticides, which are deemed safer, more sustainable, and now more financially viable given the increased costs associated with conventional pesticides due to the new rules. These strict regulations are likely to promote the import of safer, less toxic, and more environment-friendly pesticides, further reducing the demand for traditional, harmful pesticides. In essence, the projected decrease in pesticide demand in India can be attributed to the growing environmental consciousness among farmers, reinforced by the government's rigorous regulatory framework.

Prevalence of Counterfeit Products

The prevalence of counterfeit products in the pesticide industry has created a significant challenge for India's agricultural sector. Farmers, who are the end consumers, are being duped into buying fraudulent goods under the guise of cost-effectiveness and perceived quality. These counterfeit pesticides not only lead to poor crop yield due to their ineffectiveness, but they also pose momentous environmental and health risks. Consequently, there's a growing distrust among farmers towards synthetic pesticides, leading to a decreased demand. Simultaneously, this situation paves the way for alternative solutions. An increasing number of farmers are turning towards organic farming and bio-pesticides, which are considered safer and more environmentally friendly. Stringent regulations enforced by the government to curb the circulation of counterfeit products, coupled with elevated awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of fake pesticides, have played a pivotal role in this decreasing demand. Thus, the proliferation of counterfeit products is indirectly contributing to a paradigm shift in India's pesticide market.

Key Market Trends

Advances in Pest Detection & Prediction Technologies

Advancements in pest detection and prediction technologies are poised to boost the demand for pesticides in India significantly. With the introduction of modern technologies, such as remote sensing, predictive modeling, and geographic information systems, farmers can now accurately identify pest infestations early, allowing for timely and targeted use of pesticides. In August 2024, the Indian Union Government launched the AI-driven National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), designed to enable farmers to connect with agricultural scientists and experts for pest control advice via their mobile phones. The primary objective of NPSS is to reduce farmers' reliance on pesticide retailers and promote a more scientific approach to pest management. By leveraging AI tools, NPSS will analyze real-time pest data to assist both farmers and experts in effective pest control and management strategies.

This reduced reliance on regular, blanket applications of pesticides increases efficiency and reduces wastage. The implementation of predictive technologies enables the anticipation of potential pest outbreaks based on factors like weather patterns and crop cycles. This allows farmers to plan and apply pesticides strategically, further driving up demand. The necessity of maintaining crop health to sustain the burgeoning population of India also contributes to the expected growth in pesticide demand. As these technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible to farmers across the country, the pesticide market in India is predicted to witness substantial growth.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

Based on the product type, the herbicide segment is currently growing in the India Pesticide Market due to the increasing need for higher agricultural productivity. With the advent of genetically modified crops, the demand for herbicides has witnessed a significant rise. Farmers are increasingly relying on herbicides to effectively manage weed growth and protect their crops, leading to improved yields and overall agricultural output. However, it is important to note that while herbicides hold a prominent position, other segments such as insecticides, fungicides, and plant growth regulators also play vital roles in crop protection. This diverse landscape of pesticide usage in India reflects the country's commitment to ensuring effective and comprehensive crop management strategies, maximizing agricultural output, and ultimately contributing to food security and sustainability.

Formulation Insights

Based on formulation, in the India Pesticide Market, dry formulations currently hold a dominant position over liquid formulations. This preference for dry pesticides stems from several key factors that underscore their appeal and practicality for farmers and distributors alike. Dry pesticides offer inherent advantages in terms of storage, transportation, and application. Their solid form makes them easier to handle and store compared to liquid formulations, which are prone to spillage and leakage during transit. The compact nature of dry pesticides facilitates efficient transportation and reduces logistical complexities, contributing to cost savings and streamlined supply chains.

Regional Insights

The Northern region of India, renowned for its fertile agricultural lands and diverse crop cultivation, is currently dominating the India Pesticide Market. This region's supremacy can be attributed to its extensive and varied range of crops, including grains such as wheat, rice, and millets, along with a wide array of fruits, vegetables, and cash crops. The favorable climatic conditions, combined with abundant farmland, create an ideal environment for thriving crop production. To combat pests and diseases, the Northern region heavily relies on the extensive application of pesticides. These pesticides play a crucial role in managing and mitigating the risks posed by pests, thereby ensuring optimal crop yield. The rigorous pest management practices adopted by farmers in the Northern region further contribute to its dominance in the India Pesticide Market. With its rich agricultural heritage, favorable climate, vast farmlands, and the imperative need for effective pest management, the Northern region of India continues to solidify its position as a key player in the India Pesticide Market.

Key Market Players

• Bayer Crop Science Limited
• Syngenta India Private Limited
• BASF India Limited
• UPL Limited
• ADAMA India Private Limited
• Dhanuka Agritech Limited
• Rallis India Limited
• PI Industries Limited
• FMC India Private Limited
• Crystal Crop Protection Private Limited

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Pesticide Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

India Pesticide Market, By Product Type:

• Herbicide
• Insecticide
• Fungicide
• Plant Growth Regulator
• Others

India Pesticide Market, By Formulation:

• Dry
• Liquid

India Pesticide Market, By Crop:

• Cotton
• Rice
• Vegetables
• Plantation
• Others

India Pesticide Market, By Region:

• North
• South
• West
• East

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Pesticide Market.

Available Customizations:

India Pesticide Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).