Agricultural Biologicals Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2024-2032)

Agricultural biologicals are non-synthetic bioactive agents that can be used as pest control agents, soil conditioners, plant growth regulators, or nutrient modifiers that include bio-pesticides, bio-stimulants, and bio-fertilizers. This means that they are natural organic fertilizers that replace synthetic chemicals and work by using microorganisms, plant extracts, and organic compounds to alter farmer's mode of farming by embracing eco-friendly farming practices to increase fertility, yields, and flexibility.

The Agricultural Biologicals Market is expected to grow with a significant CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032). This is especially attributed to the increasing concerns of global society towards the utilization of chemical and pollution issues. Besides this, the demand for organic consumption adds to the support of biological solutions. In addition, positive policies as well as subsidies contribute to biological adoptions. In August 2024 the government of India promoted the correct usage of fertilizers alongside Organic and Biofertilizers according to soil test-based recommendations. The "PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth (PM-PRANAM)" is launched to encourage the States and Union Territories to use efficient substitutes like organic and biofertilizers to enhance the health and fertility of the soil and sustainable yield.

In the program, the state governments shall be rewarded with 50% of the saved fertilizer subsidy for encouraging organic as well as natural farming and organic fertilizers.

Based on the product, the market is segmented into biopesticides, biostimulants, biofertilizers, and others. Among these, biopesticides held a dominant share of the market in 2023 due to the faster and more environmentally friendly method of pest management than the growing sustainable farming sector. Adding to this, this helps in reducing chemical deposits and avoiding pest resistance making them appropriate for incorporation pest management (IPM) programs. Moreover, governments are providing subsidies and have eased the regulatory environment beyond what has been seen for chemical pesticides, leading to greater usage penetration.

Based on crop-type, the market is segmented into cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, others. Cereals & grains held a significant share of the market in 2023 owing to growth as basic food crops in high demand to service solutions aimed at increasing yields, and pest and disease resistance. The increase in the use of sustainable agriculture across the world has resulted in the enhanced use of biologicals to produce cereals and grains.

Based on the application, the market is segmented into foliar spray, soil treatment, seed treatment, and others. Seed treatment is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2032). This segment helps in seed germination, and pest control on the seedlings and enhances crop yields in markets. The consumption of treated seeds has been increasing because of such factors as increased yield as well as reduced cost. The implementation of biological seed treatments is attained through the incorporation of bioinoculants and biocontrol agents into products. For instance, on June 05, 2023, Syngenta Crop Protection's Seedcare business introduced EQUENTO(R), a novel seed treatment that provides outstanding control of various soil pests while helping farmers increase the sustainability of their farming operations.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of Agricultural Biologicals, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2032). This is due to the increasing demand for food, and governmental encouragement for eco-friendly farming methods. Also, places like India and China are now using agricultural biologicals in place of conventional chemical fertilizers to counteract soil erosion as well as efforts towards managing pest resistance. As per the Directorate of Plant Protection, the consumption of biopesticides/Neem-based pesticides in India was around 7,248 in the year 2022-23. Moreover, companies enter this market by introducing affordable solutions that suit local markets and partnering with various governments to provide awareness initiatives. They also set up production units in that area to minimize costs and respond to the requirements of the area.

Some of the major players operating in the market include BASF, Bayer AG, Syngenta Crop Protection AG, UPL, FMC Corporation, Corteva (DowDuPont), Valent Group, Certis USA L.L.C., Koppert, Andermatt Group AG.