Global seed treatment market size is expected to reach USD 30.76 Bn by 2032, from USD 16.09 Bn in 2025, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The seed treatment market is driven by increasing global food demand, the need for higher agricultural productivity, and the adoption of advanced seed technologies. At the same time, the market faces challenges from stringent regulations and growing environmental concerns around chemical use. However, opportunities are emerging through the development of bio-based treatments and innovations in seed coating technologies, with major players such as Syngenta, Bayer, BASF, Corteva, and FMC investing heavily in R&D and strategic partnerships.
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Global Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events |
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Regulatory Changes in Agricultural Chemicals |
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Geopolitical Tensions and Supply Chain Disruptions |
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Based on treatment, Insecticides Treatment segment is accounting for largest share in the global market during the forecast period. This is owing to widespread usage in pest control across various industries mainly in public health, agriculture, and residential setting. These are widely used in controlling the harmful pest that affect the quality of crops, public health, and food storage. It also helps in transmitting disease such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus.
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| Report Coverage | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 16.09 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 9.7% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 30.76 Bn |
| Geographies covered: |
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| Companies covered: |
Syngenta, Bayer CropScience AG, Monsanto, BASF, Advanta India Ltd, Dow Agro Sciences, DuPont, Nufarm Ltd., Chemtura Agro Solutions, and Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd. |
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Rising demand for corn due to the increasing use of biofuels is a major factor behind the growth of the global seed treatment market. As more corn is needed to meet the requirements of biofuel production, farmers are compelled to increase their corn cultivation practices. However, corn being a widely grown crop requires extensive protection from various pests and diseases throughout its growth cycle. This is where seed treatment proves to be indispensable for farmers.
Seed treatment helps in providing pre-planting and post-planting protection to corn seeds and young corn plants. By imparting a protective coating to seeds, seed treatment controls major soil-borne and seed-borne diseases as well as early-season insect pests. This ultimately leads to higher germination rates and corn establishment, thus boosting the crop yields. With biofuel demand forcing farmers to ramp up corn output, these crops heavily rely on seed treatment products to shield their crops from losses that are caused by pests and diseases.
As a result, the seed treatment market is witnessing significant expansion. The market is further stimulated by the entry of innovative product types. Various new-age formulations that combine multiple active ingredients are being rolled out. These improved products provide longer lasting and broader-spectrum protection. They assist in maximizing crop protection as well as productivity for farmers.
Growing global population is placing significant pressure on the global agricultural system to produce more food. According to data provided by the United Nations, the world's population is projected to grow to around 9.70 Bn by 2050 from the current level of around 7.70 Bn. Feeding this many additional mouths will require increasing agricultural productivity substantially. Seed treatment has emerged as a crucial component of sustainable agriculture to address this challenge.
Seed treatment helps to improve germination rates and protect seeds and seedlings from diseases, insects, and other stresses until the plant establishes itself. This reduces the need for multiple farm inputs and improves crop establishment. With the need to boost yields from every acre of cultivated land, seed treatment allows farmers to maximize their output without expanding agricultural land, thus ensuring more food that can be produced whilst preserving natural resources and biodiversity.
According to the studies by the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), farmers can realize 5-10% increase in their yields by opting for treated seeds compared to untreated ones.
The global seed treatment market holds immense untapped growth potential in emerging economies across Asia Pacific, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, where rising demand and competitive seed treatment market prices are accelerating adoption. These regions are witnessing increased agricultural production and rising demand for food due to their large and young population base. However, seed yield and overall productivity remain low in these countries due to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
Seed treatment helps to address this issue by protecting the seeds from diseases, insects and other threats during germination. It boosts early-stage plant growth and ultimately enhances agricultural productivity. With robust economic growth projected over the next few years many developing nations are prioritizing agricultural modernization which includes wider adoption of advanced seed treatment practices.
Advancements in seed treatment technologies are set to unlock tremendous opportunities, fueling the growth of the seed treatment market value. As the world increasingly faces challenges of climate change, reducing arable land and growing need to boost crop yields, innovative seed technologies are needed more than ever. New methods that help to protect seeds from diseases and pests, enhance germination and improve overall plant health can go a long way in supporting global food security.
Seed coating and some of the promising technologies gaining ground include biological and natural seed treatments. Compared to traditional chemical-based treatments, these alternatives offer higher selectivity and equally strong results but with minimal environmental impact. For example, certain microbial treatments utilize beneficial microorganisms to suppress disease and promote plant immunity.
As farmers and environmental organizations emphasize sustainability, such eco-friendly innovations are expected to gain wider acceptance going forward. Another innovation is the use of novel delivery methods like seed coating technology which helps precisely regulate the application of active ingredients, thus, maximizing seed protection while minimizing wastage of valuable agrochemicals. This leads to more precise application of active ingredients and reduces environmental pollution.
Global seed treatment market outlook 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.
Growing adoption of genetically modified seeds has significantly impacted the global seed treatment market demand 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.
Definition: Seed treatment refers to the application of various chemicals, biologicals, and other substances of seeds which are required before planting, to protect them from diseases, pests, and environmental stressors. Seed treatments aim to eliminate or reduce inoculum levels and/or disease development from seedborne fungi that are present on or within seeds, without affecting the seeds' viability.
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About Author
Yash Doshi is a Senior Management Consultant. He has 12+ years of experience in conducting research and handling consulting projects across verticals in APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.
He brings strong acumen in helping chemical companies navigate complex challenges and identify growth opportunities. He has deep expertise across the chemicals value chain, including commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals. Yash is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and contributes to various publications on topics related commodity, specialty and fine chemicals, plastics and polymers, and petrochemicals.
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