Crop Protection Chemicals Market Research Report

Market Overview:

The global crop protection chemicals market size reached USD 96.1 billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 141.7 billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.96% during 2025-2033. The increasing global population, expanding agricultural practices, rising need for higher crop yields, shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, government support and regulations, and climate change-induced pest pressure are some of the major factors propelling the market.

Crop protection chemicals, also known as agricultural pesticides, are chemical substances used in farming to protect crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. These chemicals play a crucial role in ensuring the productivity and profitability of agricultural activities. Crop protection chemicals encompass a wide range of products, including insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and rodenticides, each designed to target specific pests or plant diseases. Insecticides are used to control and eliminate insects that can damage crops by feeding on leaves, stems, or fruits. Herbicides are employed to suppress or kill unwanted plants, commonly known as weeds, which compete with crops for resources such as water, sunlight, and nutrients. Fungicides, on the other hand, are formulated to prevent and control fungal infections that can significantly impact crop yield and quality. Moreover, rodenticides are used to manage rodent population that can cause extensive damage to crop during their feeding activities. Crop protection chemicals undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure their efficacy, safety, and environmental sustainability. They are typically applied using various methods, including spraying, seed treatment, and soil application, depending on the specific requirements of the crop and the targeted pest or disease.

The world population is continuously growing, leading to higher food demand. Crop protection chemicals help farmers protect their crops from pests, diseases, and weeds, ensuring higher agricultural productivity and meeting the increasing food requirements. Additionally, the expansion of agricultural practices, including commercial farming and intensive cropping systems, escalates the demand for crop protection chemicals. These chemicals are essential to manage pests, diseases, and weeds that can cause substantial yield losses in large-scale farming operations. Other than this, farmers strive to achieve higher crop yields to meet market demands and maximize profits. Crop protection chemicals play a vital role in minimizing yield losses caused by pests and diseases, allowing farmers to achieve optimal productivity and economic gains. Besides this, changing consumer preferences, including a preference for fresh and high-quality produce, drive the need for effective crop protection measures. Crop protection chemicals help maintain crop quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure the availability of safe and nutritious food options. Besides this, continuous advancements in agricultural technologies and crop protection formulations are driving the market. Furthermore, the development of innovative pesticides with improved efficacy, lower environmental impact, and reduced application rates contribute to the growth of the crop protection chemicals industry.

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Trends/Drivers:

Increasing global population

As the population expands, there is a greater demand for food to feed the growing number of people. Crop protection chemicals play a vital role in ensuring higher agricultural productivity by protecting crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. These chemicals help farmers prevent or minimize yield losses, enabling them to produce an adequate food supply to meet the increasing demands of a larger population.

Expanding agricultural practices

The expansion of agricultural practices, such as commercial farming and intensive cropping systems, is escalating the demand for crop protection chemicals. With the shift toward larger-scale farming operations, there is a greater need to manage pests, diseases, and weeds that can cause significant yield losses. Crop protection chemicals provide effective solutions for farmers to protect their crops and optimize production in these intensive agricultural systems. By utilizing these chemicals, farmers can control pests, combat diseases, and suppress weed growth, thus maximizing their yields and economic returns.

Rising need for higher crop yields

Crop protection chemicals play a crucial role in achieving higher crop yield by protecting crops from various threats that can reduce yields. Pests, diseases, and weeds are constant challenges that farmers face, and crop protection chemicals provide effective means to manage and control these threats. By using these chemicals judiciously and following recommended practices, farmers can safeguard their crops, minimize yield losses, and increase overall productivity. Higher crop yields benefit the farmers economically and also contribute to global food security by ensuring an ample supply of food for the growing population. most negligible hazard to human and animal health is bolstering the market growth.

Crop Protection Chemicals Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global crop protection chemicals market report, along with forecasts at the global and regional levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, origin, crop type, form and mode of application.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Herbicides
• Fungicides
• Insecticides
• Others
   

Herbicides dominate the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, and others. According to the report, herbicides represented the largest segment.

Weeds are a widespread and persistent problem in agriculture, competing with crops for essential resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients. Herbicides offer an effective solution for weed control, making them a critical tool for farmers. By selectively targeting and suppressing or eliminating weeds, herbicides help farmers maintain the productivity and quality of their crops. Additionally, herbicides provide convenience and efficiency in weed management. Compared to manual weed removal or mechanical methods, herbicides offer a quicker and more cost-effective solution. They can be applied over large areas, allowing for efficient weed control in extensive farming operations. The ease of application and time-saving benefits make herbicides a preferred choice for many farmers, particularly in commercial agriculture. Other than this, the development of herbicide-resistant crops, such as genetically modified herbicide-tolerant varieties, has contributed to the increased demand for herbicides. These crops are designed to withstand specific herbicides, allowing farmers to apply herbicides without harming their crops. The adoption of herbicide-resistant crops has led to a significant increase in herbicide usage, further driving the growth of the herbicides segment.

Breakup by Origin:

• Synthetic
• Natural
   

Synthetic holds the largest share in the market

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the origin has also been provided in the report. This includes synthetic and natural. According to the report, synthetic accounted for the largest market share.

Synthetic chemicals offer a broad spectrum of effectiveness against various pests, diseases, and weeds. These chemically synthesized compounds can be formulated to specifically target and control specific pests or diseases, providing a reliable solution for farmers to protect their crops. This versatility and efficacy make synthetic pesticides highly desirable for crop protection. Additionally, synthetic pesticides often exhibit greater stability and longer shelf life compared to natural or bio-based alternatives. They can withstand various environmental conditions and retain their effectiveness over an extended period, ensuring reliable and consistent crop protection. Other than this, synthetic pesticides can be manufactured at a large scale and are relatively more cost-effective compared to natural or organic alternatives. The production processes for synthetic pesticides are well-established, allowing for efficient mass production, which contributes to their availability and affordability for farmers. Besides this, synthetic pesticides often undergo rigorous testing and regulation to ensure their safety and efficacy. They are subjected to extensive research, development, and evaluation processes, which provides confidence to farmers and regulatory bodies regarding their performance and compliance with safety standards.

Breakup by Crop Type:

• Cereal and Grains
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Oilseed and Pulses
• Others
   

Cereals and grains represent the most popular crop type

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the crop type. This includes cereal and grains, fruits and vegetables, oilseed and pulses, and others. According to the report, cereals and grains represented the largest segment.

Cereals and grains are staple food crops consumed globally, forming the foundation of many diets. The demand for these crops is consistently high, driven by factors such as population growth, changing dietary preferences, and increasing urbanization. As a result, the production and protection of cereals and grains receive significant attention from farmers, leading to a higher demand for crop protection chemicals. Additionally, cereals and grains are prone to a wide range of pests, diseases, and weeds that can significantly impact their yield and quality. Insects, fungi, and weed competition pose continuous threats to these crops, necessitating effective crop protection measures. Crop protection chemicals, including insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides, are crucial tools for managing these challenges and safeguarding the productivity of cereals and grains. Furthermore, cereals and grains are often cultivated over large areas, making them suitable for mechanized and intensive farming practices. These practices require efficient and effective pest and weed control methods, with crop protection chemicals offering practical solutions for managing pests and ensuring high yields.

Breakup by Form:

• Liquid
• Solid
   

Crop protection chemicals are mostly used in liquid form

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the form has also been provided in the report. This includes liquid and solid. According to the report, liquid accounted for the largest market share.

Liquid formulations offer convenience and ease of application. They can be easily mixed, sprayed, and distributed over large areas, allowing for efficient coverage of crops. Liquid formulations can be applied using various equipment, such as sprayers or irrigation systems, making them suitable for different farming practices and crop types. This versatility and convenience make liquid formulations a preferred choice for many farmers. Additionally, liquid formulations provide better penetration and absorption into plant tissues compared to other forms, such as granules or powders. The liquid form allows for better distribution and adherence to the plant surface, ensuring optimal contact and uptake of the active ingredients by pests or target organisms. This enhanced efficacy contributes to the popularity of liquid formulations in crop protection. Furthermore, liquid formulations often offer better storage stability compared to other forms. They are less prone to degradation or loss of effectiveness over time, allowing for longer shelf life and reducing the risk of product wastage. This stability is particularly important for large-scale agricultural operations, where storage and inventory management are crucial considerations.

Breakup by Mode of Application:

• Foliar Spray
• Seed Treatment
• Soil Treatment
• Others
   

Foliar spray dominates the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mode of application. This includes foliar spray, seed treatment, soil treatment, and others. According to the report, foliar sprays represented the largest segment.

Foliar spray offers direct and targeted application to the leaves of plants. This mode of application allows for efficient and effective delivery of crop protection chemicals to the foliage, where pests, diseases, and weeds often reside. Foliar sprays provide thorough coverage of the plant's surface, ensuring better contact with the target organisms and maximizing the efficacy of the applied chemicals. Additionally, foliar spray enables systemic movement within the plant. The spray droplets are absorbed by the leaves and can translocate to other parts of the plant, including the stems, flowers, and fruits. This systemic movement helps in protecting the entire plant from pests and diseases, even those not directly exposed to the spray. It provides a more comprehensive and holistic approach to crop protection. Furthermore, foliar sprays offer flexibility in timing and application. They can be applied at different growth stages of the plant, allowing farmers to address specific pest or disease pressures as they arise. Foliar sprays are also compatible with a wide range of crop types, making them applicable to various agricultural systems and crops.

Breakup by Region:

• Asia Pacific
• North America
• Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America
   

North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America was the largest market for crop protection chemicals.

North America has a significant agricultural sector, with extensive farming operations and a diverse range of crops cultivated throughout the region. The United States, in particular, is one of the largest agricultural producers globally, known for its substantial crop production and export capabilities. The high level of agricultural activity in North America drives the demand for crop protection chemicals, as farmers seek effective solutions to protect their crops from pests, diseases, and weeds. Additionally, the region has a well-developed infrastructure and advanced agricultural practices, including the adoption of modern technologies and precision farming techniques. These practices contribute to higher crop yields and productivity, and also necessitate effective crop protection measures. The region's strong emphasis on maximizing agricultural output further drives the demand for crop protection chemicals. Furthermore, North America has a robust regulatory framework that governs the use and registration of crop protection chemicals. The stringent regulations ensure the safety and effectiveness of these products, providing confidence to farmers and buyers. The compliance with these regulations enables the availability and use of a wide range of crop protection chemicals in the North American market.

Competitive Landscape:

Major players are investing heavily in R&D activities to develop innovative crop protection solutions. They focus on creating new active ingredients, improving formulation technologies, and enhancing the efficacy and safety of their products. R&D efforts also aim to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, aligning with growing consumer and regulatory demands for more sustainable agriculture. Additionally, key players continually expand their product portfolios through acquisitions, partnerships, and licensing agreements. This strategy allows them to access new markets, technologies, and customer segments. By broadening their product offerings, companies aim to cater to diverse crop types, pests, and diseases, providing comprehensive solutions to farmers. Other than this, recognizing the increasing importance of sustainability, key players are incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. They invest in research to develop bio-based or bio-inspired solutions, reduce chemical residues, and promote integrated pest management practices. Moreover, sustainability initiatives also involve providing training and support to farmers on responsible product use and minimizing environmental impacts.

The report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• BASF SE
• Corteva Agriscience
• Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd.
• Syngenta AG
• Bayer Cropscience AG
• FMC Corporation
• Monsanto Company
• Nufarm Limited
• ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd.
   

Recent Developments:

• In 2020, BASF and TECNALIA, a European center for research and technological development, are collaborating in digitalization to accelerate the global research and development of new crop protection products.
• In May 2023, Corteva, Inc. showcased its farmer-focused innovations, sustainability-driven initiatives and industry-leading R&D pipeline advancements during the company's innovation update. Through key product launches, the company is expanding its leadership position in the global seed and crop protection market by continuing to deliver products that increase and protect yield potential for farmers globally.
• In 2022, Syngenta acquired two next-generation bioinsecticides, NemaTrident and UniSpore, to further enhance their biocontrol technology. These developments highlight Syngenta's commitment to providing farmers with advanced and sustainable solutions for crop protection.
   

Crop Protection Chemicals Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the crop protection chemicals market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global crop protection chemicals market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the crop protection chemicals industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.