Global Seed Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2024 - 2030)

The global seed market is segmented based on cultivation mechanism, crop type, seed type, and trait, each contributing uniquely to the market’s growth. Cultivation mechanisms are broadly classified into open field and protected cultivation. Open field cultivation remains dominant due to its extensive use in large-scale farming across various regions. However, protected cultivation is gaining momentum, especially in areas with harsh climates or limited land availability. This form of cultivation, which includes greenhouses and controlled environments, allows for more efficient resource use and increased crop yields, thus contributing to the market’s evolution.

In terms of crop type, cereals & grains, oilseeds & pulses, fruits & vegetables, and others make up the primary categories. Cereals & grains, such as wheat, rice, and maize, are the most widely cultivated crops globally, supported by their essential role in food security and livestock feed. Oilseeds & pulses, including soybean, sunflower, and beans, have also experienced significant growth due to their importance in the production of oils, proteins, and other industrial applications. Fruits & vegetables are seeing increased demand driven by consumer preference for healthier diets, while other crops such as herbs and flowers also contribute to niche markets, particularly in the culinary and ornamental sectors.

The seed market is further divided into conventional and genetically modified (GM) seeds. Conventional seeds are still prevalent, especially in traditional farming systems, where they are favored for their natural traits and lower cost. However, genetically modified seeds are gaining traction due to their advantages in enhancing crop resilience, improving yield, and reducing the need for pesticides. GM seeds, including varieties with traits like herbicide tolerance and insecticide resistance, are particularly popular in large-scale commercial agriculture, where productivity and cost-efficiency are crucial.

Geographically, the global seed market spans across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. North America and Europe are prominent players in the GM seed segment, driven by technological advancements and high adoption rates among farmers. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is the fastest-growing region due to increasing agricultural practices, the need for food security, and rising demand for improved crop varieties. The Middle East and Africa face challenges such as water scarcity and climate change, making protected cultivation more essential. Latin America is a major exporter of seeds, especially oilseeds and pulses, contributing significantly to global supply. Each region’s distinct agricultural needs and priorities shape the development and demand for specific seed types and traits.

Global Seed Segment Analysis

In this report, the Global Seed Market , Segmented By Cultivation Mechanism, Crop Type, Type, Trait and Geography.

Global Seed Market, Segmentation By Cultivation Mechanism

The Global Seed Market, Segmented by Cultivation Mechanism into Open Field, and Protected Cultivation.

The global seed market is experiencing significant growth, with a wide variety of cultivation mechanisms driving its development. One of the key segments is open field cultivation, which remains the most common method used worldwide. This approach involves planting seeds in natural outdoor environments, where crops are exposed to the elements such as weather conditions and pests. Open field cultivation is typically associated with large-scale farming and is prevalent in regions with favorable climates for crop production. It is a cost-effective method, especially in rural and developing areas where mechanized agriculture is common.

On the other hand, protected cultivation is a growing segment within the global seed market. This method involves growing crops in controlled environments such as greenhouses, polytunnels, or other structures that provide protection from adverse weather conditions, pests, and diseases. Protected cultivation allows for year-round crop production and can result in higher yields and improved quality due to the controlled conditions. It is particularly popular in regions with harsh climates or areas where land and water resources are limited. The protected cultivation segment has gained traction due to its ability to optimize resources and provide more sustainable solutions for food production.

Both cultivation mechanisms play an essential role in the seed market, catering to different needs and agricultural practices. Open field cultivation dominates in terms of land use and volume of production, while protected cultivation appeals to regions or farmers looking for more controlled, efficient, and sustainable farming practices. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for seeds suitable for both open field and protected cultivation is expected to increase, driving innovation and the development of new seed varieties. This dual approach to cultivation is likely to shape the future of the global seed market.

Global Seed Market, Segmentation By Crop Type

The Global Seed Market, Segmented by Crop Type into Cereals & Grains, Oilseeds & Pulses, Fruits & Vegetables, Others.

The global seed market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for food production and agricultural sustainability. The market is segmented based on crop type, with one of the major segments being cereals and grains. This category includes staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and barley, which are crucial for global food security. The high demand for cereals and grains in both developing and developed countries, driven by population growth and dietary preferences, continues to propel the growth of this segment.

Oilseeds and pulses form another essential segment within the global seed market. Oilseeds like soybeans, sunflower, and canola are widely used in food products, biofuels, and animal feed, making them critical to the global agricultural economy. Pulses, such as lentils, peas, and chickpeas, are gaining traction due to their high nutritional value and increasing popularity among health-conscious consumers. The rise of plant-based diets and the growing need for sustainable farming practices are expected to further boost the demand for oilseeds and pulses in the coming years.

The fruits and vegetables segment in the global seed market also plays a vital role in meeting the demands of a growing global population. This segment includes seeds for crops like tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and various fruits, which are in constant demand due to their widespread consumption and importance in both fresh markets and processed food industries. The growing trend towards organic farming and the increasing awareness of healthy eating habits are expected to drive innovations and improvements in seed varieties for fruits and vegetables. Other smaller categories within the seed market include ornamental plants, herbs, and medicinal crops, though these segments contribute a smaller portion of the overall market.

Global Seed Market, Segmentation By Type

The Global Seed Market, Segmented by Type into Conventional Seeds and Genetically Modified Seeds.

The global seed market has been segmented by type into conventional seeds and genetically modified (GM) seeds. Conventional seeds are traditional seeds that have not been genetically modified. They are widely used in agriculture and are selected based on their natural traits such as yield, disease resistance, and adaptability to different growing conditions.On the other hand, genetically modified (GM) seeds are seeds that have been altered using genetic engineering techniques to introduce desirable traits such as increased yield, pest resistance, and drought tolerance.

GM seeds have gained popularity in recent years due to their ability to address agricultural challenges and improve crop productivity. However, the use of GM seeds is also a subject of debate due to concerns about their impact on the environment and human health.GM seeds have revolutionized agriculture by offering solutions to various challenges faced by farmers, such as pests, diseases, and environmental stress.

These seeds have shown significant promise in increasing crop yields and reducing the reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers. However, the adoption of GM seeds varies across regions, with some countries imposing strict regulations on their use. As research and development in biotechnology continue to advance, the global seed market is expected to witness further innovation and growth in the GM seed segment.

Global Seed Market, Segmentation By Trait

The Global Seed Market, Segmented By Trait into Herbicide Tolerance, Insecticide Resistance and Others.

The global seed market is segmented by trait into herbicide tolerance, insecticide resistance, and other traits. Herbicide-tolerant seeds are genetically modified to withstand the application of specific herbicides, allowing farmers to effectively control weeds without harming the crop. This trait has gained popularity due to its ability to simplify weed management practices and increase crop yields.Insecticide-resistant seeds are genetically modified to produce proteins that are toxic to certain insects, offering protection against pest damage. This trait reduces the need for chemical insecticides, leading to cost savings for farmers and reduced environmental impact.

the use of insecticide-resistant seeds can improve crop quality and yield stability.Other traits in the seed market include disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved nutritional content. These traits are designed to address specific challenges faced by farmers, such as crop diseases, water scarcity, and nutrient deficiencies. The development of seeds with these traits is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainability in agriculture.

Global Seed Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Global Seed Market,Segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Global Seed Market Share (%), by Geographical Region, 2023

North America, particularly the United States, is a global leader in agricultural research and development. The region has a strong foundation in biotechnology and genetic engineering, which has led to the development of advanced seed technologies. The presence of leading seed companies and research institutions in North America fosters innovation, enabling the development of high-quality and high-performance seeds. Also, North America is a significant exporter of agricultural products, including seeds. The region's high-quality seeds are sought after globally, and North American seed companies have established strong international market presence. The export opportunities contribute to the region's dominance in the global seeds market. North America and Europe are major markets for seeds, driven by advanced agricultural practices and high adoption rates of genetically modified seeds.

The Asia Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the seed market due to increasing population and rising demand for food. In contrast, the Middle East and Africa region are characterized by a growing focus on improving agricultural productivity to meet the food demands of their populations. Latin America is also a significant market, with Brazil and Argentina being major producers and exporters of seeds, particularly soybeans and corn.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Seed Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Increasing Demand for Food Security
• Technological Advancements in Seed Development
• Growing Adoption of Precision Agriculture

• Growth in the usage of oilseeds by animal feed manufacturers:- The co-products from refining oilseeds are used by the animal feed industry. Oilseed meal is a source of high protein content. This has led to an increase in the demand for oilseed meals from feed manufacturers. Soybean meal is the most popular soybean meal for animal feed manufacturers due to its high protein content. The growing demand for protein-rich vegetable protein meals like soybean meal, sunflower meal, cottonseed meal, etc., is expected to drive the oilseed market growth over the next few years. Only a small portion of the oilseed is fed as whole seeds to animals. However, the by-product of processing the oilseed is used extensively in animal feed.
  
  Due to the EU ban on Meat and Bone Meal (MBM), it is largely replaced by other protein sources such as soy meal, oilseed meal, cereals, and pulses.According to Agriculture and Rural Development (European Commission), 54% of the total protein material is used in the animal feed sector, which mainly uses soybean meal as a vegetable protein source. This is increasing the demand for oilseeds in the market.Apart from this, significant investments in plant-based protein companies and the rapid growth of the industry have resulted in increased research, development, and marketing efforts. This has led to the introduction of new and improved plant-based protein products, attracting more consumers to choose these alternatives.

Restraints:

• Stringent Regulations and Policies
• Increasing Concerns About GM Seeds
• Rising Competition From Alternative Farming Practices

• Low yield of crops in under-irrigated areas:- Largely, the crops produced in developing countries include rice, corn, wheat, groundnut, rapeseed, mustard, soybean, sunflower, and safflower. These products hold a significant share in the global seeds market due to their use in the food, feed, and chemical industries. There is an increased demand for seeds of these crops, which raises the demand for productivity, drought tolerance, and better insect resistance. However, in developing countries such as India, South Africa, and Turkey, the production of crops is mainly dependent on the rains, which reduces productivity.
  
  In order to improve crop production, the following measures are taken into consideration:Bringing additional areas under irrigation, Promoting modern crop technology and better dry farming, Strengthening the value chain, Due to uncertainty in the climatic conditions, there is an increased need for more irrigated areas for the production of cereal crops and oilseed crops. For instance, groundnut seeds require an optimum temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) to 30 °F (86 °F) and 50–75 mm rainfall. This oilseed is also highly susceptible to damage by frost, drought, continuous rain, and stagnant water. To prevent this, the crops need a typical environment and the proper amount of water for higher yield, which can be achieved through irrigation. Thus, it can be seen that there is low productivity in the fields without irrigation systems than in the fields with irrigation systems.

Opportunities:

• Expansion in Emerging Markets
• Development of Climate-Resilient Seeds
• Integration of Digital Technologies

• Molecular breeding in seeds:- Gene-tagged markers help reduce the time consumed in selecting the desired genes in progenies and parents. Molecular breeding allows breeders to identify desirable traits more rapidly and accurately than traditional breeding methods. By using molecular markers linked to specific traits, breeders can screen and select plants with desired traits at an early stage, reducing the time required for multiple generations of crossbreeding.By incorporating molecular markers, breeders can reduce the subjectivity and ambiguity associated with phenotypic selection, making the breeding process more accurate. Molecular breeding helps overcome challenges such as environmental influences, phenotypic plasticity, or traits that are difficult to evaluate visually.
  
  It has been found that genetic engineering and modification are better options for developing improved, disease-resistant oilseed varieties as compared to MAS and other molecular breeding techniques. Apart from company efforts, several breeding programs have been developed for oilseeds using molecular breeding techniques and molecular markers for the gene selection process. China and India are the main countries engaged in using MAS for the development of high-yielding oilseeds. More programs are to be introduced in the near future, which can help in using other molecular breeding technologies for oilseed production.

Key players in Global Seed Market include:

• BASF SE
• Bayer AG
• KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA
• Corteva
• Advanta Seeds
• Sakata Seed Corporation
• Rallis India Limited
• FMC Corporation
• TAKII & CO.,LTD.
• Longping High-Tech

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis