Seed Treatment Market Analysis

Seed Treatment Market Overview

Seed Treatment Market Size was valued at USD 5.96 Billion in 2023. The seed treatment market industry is projected to grow from USD 6.4666 Billion in 2024 to USD 11.46 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.41 % during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). The increasing need for enhanced crop productivity and food security, the rising adoption of precision agriculture practices, and the emerging awareness of the benefits of seed treatment technologies are the major market drivers enhancing the growth of the seed treatment industry.

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Seed Treatment Market Trends

• The growing popularity of high-quality seeds to drive market growth

The rising adoption of hybrid and genetically modified seeds is a major factor driving the seed treatment market CAGR. Farmers are becoming more aware of seed treatment to protect their investments in high-quality seeds, owing to heightened regulatory concerns about fumigation and foliar pesticide use. The cost of seeds is predicted to rise due to increased demand for high-quality seeds with favorable agronomic features. Companies and farmers are willing to invest money in seed treatment methods to save high-quality seeds. Syngenta, for example, ran a trial program for VICTRATO, a ground-breaking seed treatment for avoiding crown rot in wheat, durum, and barley. The formulation was modified for Australian conditions with the help of the Seedcare Institute (SCI), a network of Syngenta labs. Syngenta Crop Protection's Seedcare company announced VICTRATO in May 2022, claiming it to be a breakthrough solution with a potent combination of nematode and disease management for growers wishing to improve crop quality and output while also supporting the long-term health of their crops.

In addition, farmers are attempting to reduce operating expenses by selecting seeds that do not require several chemical dosages. The use of seed treatment solutions ensures the initial protection of these modified seeds. Over the last seven years, the seed fraction of overall maize operating expenditures has risen from roughly 28% to 32%. As most GM seeds are more productive after being treated with chemical and biological treatments, there is a rise in the area under GM crops, which is predicted to benefit the seed treatment market revenue growth.

Seed Treatment Market Segment Insights

Seed Treatment Function Insights

Based on function, the seed treatment market segmentation includes seed protection and seed enhancement. The seed protection segment dominated the market, accounting for 62% of market revenue (3.4 Billion). The seed protection category is expected to develop the fastest as it provides a complete protection solution against numerous plant stressors in a single product that is grower-friendly, crop-friendly, and ecologically responsible. In addition, seed protection treatments are less expensive than traditional crop protection chemicals, require less application effort, and save time.

Figure 1: Seed Treatment Market, by Function, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

The seed enhancement segment will likely grow at the fastest CAGR in the seed treatment industry in the coming years. Physical seed improvements are gaining popularity as an alternative to various chemical treatments, which give a better option for the seed industry and are projected to impact market growth positively. Magnetic fields and ionizing radiations are the most beneficial pre-sowing seed treatments among physical approaches.

Seed Treatment Application Technique Insights

Based on application technique, the seed treatment market segmentation includes dressing, coating, pelleting, and others. The coating segment dominated the market, accounting for 34% of revenue. Seed coatings encourage the formation of early associations with beneficial soil microbes, such as mycorrhizae, which aid in nutrient absorption. It reduces seed infection and protects the crops from foliar infection, reducing disease pressure later in the season, increasing the effectiveness of in-crop fungicides, and reducing possible yield and quality losses during grain fill.

Seed Treatment Crop Type Insights

Based on crop type, the seed treatment market segmentation includes cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others. The cereals & grains category generated the most income (40%). This segment's expansion can be attributable to strong product demand from crop protection activities. Seed treatment is essentially a seed-nourishing activity employing bio- and synthetic-based chemicals. Moreover, cereals & grains are in high demand as they have many applications in the food business.

Seed Treatment Regional Insights

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Rest of the World. The North American seed treatment market accounted for USD 2.52 billion in 2022 and will likely exhibit a significant CAGR growth in the study period. The existence of numerous significant businesses engaged in seed treatment products, increasing acceptance of innovative seed treatment technologies, and growing demand for high-quality and efficient crop protection measures are all factors driving market growth in this region.

Moreover, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, German, Canada, France, the UK, Italy, China, Spain, India, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: SEED TREATMENT MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review

Europe seed treatment market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the growing focus on sustainable farming methods and cutting-edge crop protection technology implementation. The region has many agriculture-based economies, which supports the demand for high-quality and effective seed treatment solutions. Further, the German seed treatment market held the largest market share, and the UK seed treatment market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Seed Treatment Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The rising population and the growing demands for food in the region put pressure on agriculture to enhance crop yields and productivity. Additionally, favorable government policies and initiatives to promote sustainable agriculture and advanced agricultural technologies encourage seed treatment product adoption in the region. Moreover, China’s seed treatment market held the largest market share, and the Indian seed treatment market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Seed Treatment Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players actively invest in research & development to innovate and expand their product portfolios. These investments aim to develop advanced seed treatment technologies that offer enhanced seed protection, improved crop performance, and sustainable farming solutions. Seed treatment industry participants strategically engage in various activities to strengthen their market presence and gain a competitive advantage. Key market developments include introducing novel seed treatment products that cater to the diverse needs of different crops and geographies.

In recent years, the seed treatment industry has witnessed advancements in seed coating techniques, seed enhancement technologies, and bio-based seed treatment solutions, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices and driving the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives. Key players in the seed treatment industry are undertaking strategic collaborations and partnerships to access new markets and expand their distribution networks, thus increasing their market reach and customer base. Major players in the seed treatment market, including BASF SE (Germany), Syngenta (Switzerland), FMC Corporation (US), Corteva Agriscience (US), Bayer AG (Germany), UPL Ltd (India), Novozymes A/S (Denmark), Solvay (Belgium), Eastman Chemicals Ltd (US), ADAMA Ltd (Israel), Croda International Plc (UK), Rizobacter (Argentina), Sumitomo Chemical (Japan), Bioworks Inc (US), are making substantial investments in R&D operations to drive innovation and meet the evolving needs of farmers and the agriculture sector.

Syngenta Seedcare, a division of Syngenta Group, is a leading agricultural solutions provider specializing in seed treatment technologies. The company was formed through a series of mergers & acquisitions, with Syngenta becoming a part of ChemChina in 2017 and subsequently merging with Sinochem in 2021 to create the Syngenta Group. Syngenta Seedcare offers a comprehensive portfolio of seed treatment products and solutions to enhance seed performance, protect against pests and diseases, and optimize crop yields. Syngenta Seedcare introduced Victrato, a seed treatment solution targeting nematodes and important soil-borne fungal diseases while increasing the quality and production of crops, such as soybeans, corn, cereals, cotton, and rice, in May 2022.

BASF SE is a leading chemical company headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany. It was founded in 1865 and has become one of the world's largest chemical manufacturers. BASF operates in various segments, including chemicals, plastics, performance products, functional materials, agricultural solutions, and oil and gas. BASF offers various innovative products and technologies in the agricultural solutions segment under its Crop Protection and Seed Solutions divisions. With a presence in over 80 countries, BASF is committed to providing farmers with cutting-edge solutions to address the challenges of modern agriculture and contribute to food security and sustainable farming practices worldwide. BASF introduced Flo Rite Pro 2805, a seed-coating polymer designed to improve the adherence and retention of active substances in seed treatment, in December 2021.

Key Companies in the seed treatment market include

• BASF SE (Germany)


• Syngenta (Switzerland)


• FMC Corporation (US)


• Corteva Agriscience (US)


• Bayer AG (Germany)


• UPL Ltd (India)


• Novozymes A/S (Denmark)


• Solvay (Belgium)


• Eastman Chemicals Ltd (US)


• ADAMA Ltd (Israel)


• Certis Europe (Netherlands)


• Croda International Plc (UK)


• Rizobacter (Argentina)


• Sumitomo Chemical (Japan)


• Marrone Bio Innovations Inc (US)


• Bioworks Inc (US)

Seed Treatment Industry Developments

July 2022: Corteva Agriscience introduced two new seed treatment packages for maize and canola crops, each containing many new chemicals to assist growers with broad-spectrum pest and disease management.

May 2022: Bayer introduced Routine Start, a novel seed treatment solution designed to protect early-season rice seeds from the rice blast fungus while increasing crop yield and resource efficiency for rice farmers.

October 2021: UPL Ltd, a producer of sustainable agriculture goods and solutions, has launched Electron 3-WM (3 Way Mix), a technology-driven seed treatment solution in the seed and plant health segment. The product is cost-effective since it minimizes the requirement for foliar sprays in the early stages of the plant cycle, decreasing production costs.

Seed Treatment Market Segmentation

Seed Treatment Function Outlook

• Seed Protection


• Seed Enhancement

Seed Treatment Application Technique Outlook

• Dressing


• Coating


• Pelleting


• Others

Seed Treatment Crop Type Outlook

• Cereals & Grains


• Oilseeds & Pulses


• Fruits & Vegetables


• Others

Seed Treatment Regional Outlook

• North America
  
  
  
  • US
  
  
  • Canada
  
  
  
  


• Europe
  
  
  
  • Germany
  
  
  • France
  
  
  • UK
  
  
  • Italy
  
  
  • Spain
  
  
  • Rest of Europe
  
  
  
  


• Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  • China
  
  
  • Japan
  
  
  • India
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • South Korea
  
  
  • Australia
  
  
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
  
  
  
  


• Rest of the World
  
  
  
  • Middle East
  
  
  • Africa
  
  
  • Latin America