Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 1.87 Billion |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 2.08 Billion |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 2.16% CAGR |
| Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0. |
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China Rice Seed Market Analysis
The China Rice Seed Market size is estimated at 1.87 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.08 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.16% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Chinese rice seed industry is experiencing a significant transformation driven by technological advancements and changing agricultural practices. Open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives continue to dominate the market, accounting for 65.7% of the total market value in 2022, primarily due to their lower costs and higher seed volume requirements for planting. This dominance reflects the industry's current structure, where traditional farming practices coexist with modern agricultural technologies, particularly among small and marginal farmers who prioritize cost-effectiveness and local adaptability.
The industry is witnessing a notable shift toward hybrid rice seed adoption, with hybrid seeds representing 34.3% of the market value in 2022. More than 50% of China's rice cultivation area now utilizes hybrid varieties, demonstrating the growing acceptance of advanced seed technologies among farmers. This transition is particularly evident in major rice-producing regions, where farmers are increasingly recognizing the benefits of hybrid varieties in terms of yield potential and stress resistance. The widespread adoption of Shanyou 63 (SY63) as the most cultivated hybrid rice seed variety exemplifies this trend.
A significant development in the market is the increasing prominence of transgenic varieties, which comprised 83.3% of the hybrid rice seed segment in 2022. These varieties are particularly valued for their resistance to major Lepidopteran pests, addressing a critical challenge in rice cultivation where stem borers alone cause approximately 3.1% annual yield losses. The industry is also seeing important technological partnerships, such as the collaboration between BASF and Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co. Ltd, focusing on developing innovative non-GMO rice production systems.
The market is characterized by a growing emphasis on sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices. Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to create rice varieties that offer both high yield potential and environmental sustainability. This trend is evidenced by the rising demand for non-transgenic hybrids, which accounted for 16.7% of the hybrid rice seed market in 2022. The industry is witnessing a parallel development of both transgenic and non-transgenic varieties, catering to diverse market requirements and export considerations, particularly given the restrictions on GMO products in certain international markets. The advancements in rice genetics and rice breeding are pivotal in addressing these diverse needs.
China Rice Seed Market Trends
Rice was second-largest crop cultivated driven by the government's support and the high per capita consumption rate
- China is one of the major rice-producing countries in Asia-Pacific. In 2022, it accounted for 21.3% of the of the region's rice cultivation area. The higher share is due to the higher consumption demand in the country, as it is a staple food crop. In 2022, China accounted for 30.4 million hectares under rice cultivation, which increased by 1.6% when compared to 2019. The area showed a decline in 2019 compared to the previous three years due to a shift in the corn area, driven by a rise in corn prices and demand in the international market. Hunan Province has the largest rice planting area in the country, with a total of 4.1 million hectares.
- Rice is China's most important food crop, and it is highly dependent on irrigation. However, an increasing number of extreme drought events have challenged rice production in many regions, resulting in a decreased harvest area. For instance, the harvest area decreased from 30.3 million hectares in 2020 to 30.1 million hectares in 2021.
- Domestic rice prices remained stable and are expected to continue to increase more than international rice prices, especially after the government increased rice procurement prices in 2022. The price will be USD 392 per metric ton for early Indica rice, up by USD 6.3 per ton from 2021, and USD 413 per ton for Japonica rice, up USD 3.1 per ton from 2021. The increase in the MSP of rice farmers is expected to increase the sowing area, thereby increasing the growth of commercial seeds.
- The transgenic rice is anticipated to increase because of the increasing acceptance of technology by farmers in the country. The acreage of transgenic rice seed has been expanding in recent years because farmers are getting higher crop yields and reduced pesticide use.
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Disease-resistant traits are preferred by rice producers in China, primarily due to the prevalence of diseases such as rice blast and bacterial blight in rice fields
- Rice production in China has grown increasingly during the past few decades, which is mainly due to increased yields of grain rather than increased planting areas across China. Due to the availability of high-yielding traits, production and productivity were enhanced largely in the country.
- Disease resistance is the most popular trait, while others, such as drought tolerance, insect resistance, moisture stress, wider availability, and effective tillers with panicles, are also cultivated in the country. In China, the major disease-resistant traits that are popularly used by seed companies are resistance to bacterial blight, brown plant hoppers, rice blasts, and heat resistance at the heading stage, as they lead to heavy yield loss. Furthermore, insect resistance traits, especially toward brown plant hoppers, and disease resistance toward rice blast disease and bacterial leaf blight are in high demand and largely cultivated by farmers. Companies such as Yuan Long-Ping Hi-tech companies, Win-All High-Tech, and Beidahuang Kenfeng Seed Co. Ltd are actively involved in breeding these rice varieties in the country.
- Drought tolerance is one of the major traits produced by seed companies as there have been changes in the climatic conditions, which has led to a high demand for this seed variety by growers. For instance, in 2022, China suffered drier conditions than normal rainfall conditions, which is expected to help increase the demand for drought-tolerant seed varieties.
- The demand for rice seeds with improved traits is increasing as farmers are turning toward sustainable agriculture. Therefore, it is anticipated that the market for seeds with improved traits will witness a positive trend during the forecast period.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Transgenic breeding dominated the market because it increased opportunities for genetic improvement of rice and reduced the damage from pests
Segment Analysis: By Breeding Technology
Hybrids Segment in China Rice Seed Market
The hybrid rice seed segment dominates the China rice seed market, accounting for approximately 60% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is attributed to the segment's high-yielding characteristics and superior resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Within the hybrids category, transgenic hybrids hold about 83% of the share due to their enhanced resistance to major Lepidopteran insect pests and tolerance to common herbicides. The segment's growth is primarily driven by increasing adoption rates among farmers, particularly for varieties like Huahui 1 and Bt Shanyou 63, which have demonstrated exceptional pest resistance capabilities. The segment is projected to maintain its market leadership position, growing at approximately 2% annually through 2029, supported by continuous product innovations and the development of new rice varieties with improved traits such as disease resistance and wider adaptability.
Remaining Segments in Breeding Technology
The Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) and Hybrid Derivatives segment represents a significant portion of the China rice seed market, serving as a crucial alternative for farmers seeking cost-effective and locally adapted seed options. This segment is particularly important for small and marginal farmers who prefer these varieties due to their lower cost compared to hybrids and the ability to save seeds for subsequent seasons. These varieties have gained prominence due to their natural resilience to local growing conditions, lower input requirements, and their role in maintaining genetic diversity in rice breeding. The segment's sustainability is further supported by their importance in organic rice seed farming systems and traditional agricultural practices, where farmers prioritize natural adaptation and seed sovereignty over maximum yield potential.
China Rice Seed Industry Overview
Top Companies in China Rice Seed Market
The Chinese rice seed market features a mix of state-owned enterprises and private companies actively engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of rice varieties. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing hybrid rice seed and disease-resistant varieties to meet evolving farmer needs and environmental challenges. Product innovation is primarily centered around creating varieties with enhanced traits like drought tolerance, insect resistance, and improved yield potential. Strategic partnerships, particularly with international agricultural technology companies, have become a key trend to accelerate research and development capabilities. Operational agility is demonstrated through extensive distribution networks and localized rice breeding programs adapted to different agricultural zones. Companies are expanding their presence through the establishment of research stations, breeding centers, and demonstration farms across major rice-growing provinces, while also investing in biotechnology and molecular breeding facilities to strengthen their competitive position.
Fragmented Market with Strong Local Players
The Chinese rice seed market is characterized by a highly fragmented competitive landscape dominated by domestic players with a strong regional presence. State-owned enterprises hold significant market positions due to their established research infrastructure and government support, while private companies compete through specialized product offerings and technological innovation. The market structure reflects a mix of large integrated agricultural companies and specialized seed producers, with the leading players controlling less than a quarter of the total market share.
Market consolidation is gradually increasing through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, particularly between domestic seed companies and international agricultural technology firms. Local companies maintain a competitive advantage through their understanding of regional growing conditions and established farmer relationships. The presence of numerous regional players creates intense competition in different geographical markets, while also ensuring diverse product offerings suited to local agricultural conditions and farmer preferences.
Innovation and Distribution Drive Market Success
Success in the Chinese rice seed market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop superior rice germplasm and advanced breeding technologies. Companies need to focus on building comprehensive research and development capabilities, particularly in areas of biotechnology and molecular breeding. Establishing strong distribution networks and maintaining close relationships with farmers through demonstration programs and technical support services is crucial for market success. Investment in seed production infrastructure and quality control systems is becoming increasingly important to meet the growing demand for high-quality seeds.
Future market leadership will require companies to balance product innovation with cost-effectiveness while maintaining strong relationships with agricultural institutions and government bodies. Companies must develop strategies to address challenges such as climate change adaptation and sustainable agriculture practices. Success factors include the ability to quickly respond to changing farmer preferences and environmental conditions through adaptive rice breeding programs. Building strong brands through consistent product performance and farmer education programs will be crucial for maintaining market position. Companies also need to consider potential regulatory changes regarding transgenic varieties and adapt their research and development strategies accordingly.
China Rice Seed Market Leaders
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Anhui Tsuen Yin Hi-Tech Seed Industry Co. Ltd
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Beidahuang Kenfeng Seed Co. Ltd
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Hefei Fengle Seed Industry Co. Ltd
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Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co. Ltd
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Zhongnongfa Seed Industry Group Co. Ltd
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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China Rice Seed Market News
- June 2021: Jiangsu Zhongjiang Seed Industry Co. Ltd launched a hybrid variety of rice called 'Taixiangjing 1402,' which is a soft japonica variety with good taste and aroma.
- June 2020: BASF and Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co. Ltd formed a partnership to co-develop and commercialize new non-GMO rice seed production to boost agricultural productivity for farmers in China.
Free With This Report
We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 90+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data from various regions regarding the area under cultivation for different crops within the scope
List of Tables & Figures
- Figure 1:
- AREA UNDER CULTIVATION OF RICE, HECTARE, CHINA, 2017-2022
- Figure 2:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR RICE TRAITS, %, CHINA, 2022
- Figure 3:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE BREEDING TECHNIQUES, %, CHINA, 2022
- Figure 4:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 14:
- VOLUME OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VALUE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS, %, CHINA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, CHINA, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 21:
- VOLUME OF INSECT RESISTANT HYBRIDS RICE SEED, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE OF INSECT RESISTANT HYBRIDS RICE SEED, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 23:
- VALUE SHARE OF INSECT RESISTANT HYBRIDS RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS, %, CHINA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 24:
- VOLUME OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED, METRIC TON, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED, USD, CHINA, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- VALUE SHARE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, CHINA, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 27:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, CHINA, 2017-2023
- Figure 28:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, CHINA, 2017-2023
- Figure 29:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, CHINA
China Rice Seed Industry Segmentation
Hybrids, Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives are covered as segments by Breeding Technology.| Breeding Technology | Hybrids | Non-Transgenic Hybrids | ||
| Transgenic Hybrids | Insect Resistant Hybrids | |||
| Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | ||||
Breeding Technology
| Hybrids | Non-Transgenic Hybrids | ||
| Transgenic Hybrids | Insect Resistant Hybrids | ||
| Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | |||
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Market Definition
- Commercial Seed - For the purpose of this study, only commercial seeds have been included as part of the scope. Farm-saved Seeds, which are not commercially labeled are excluded from scope, even though a minor percentage of farm-saved seeds are exchanged commercially among farmers. The scope also excludes vegetatively reproduced crops and plant parts, which may be commercially sold in the market.
- Crop Acreage - While calculating the acreage under different crops, the Gross Cropped Area has been considered. Also known as Area Harvested, according to the Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO), this includes the total area cultivated under a particular crop across seasons.
- Seed Replacement Rate - Seed Replacement Rate is the percentage of area sown out of the total area of crop planted in the season by using certified/quality seeds other than the farm-saved seed.
- Protected Cultivation - The report defines protected cultivation as the process of growing crops in a controlled environment. This includes greenhouses, glasshouses, hydroponics, aeroponics, or any other cultivation system that protects the crop against any abiotic stress. However, cultivation in an open field using plastic mulch is excluded from this definition and is included under open field.
| Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|
| Row Crops | These are usually the field crops which include the different crop categories like grains & cereals, oilseeds, fiber crops like cotton, pulses, and forage crops. |
| Solanaceae | These are the family of flowering plants which includes tomato, chili, eggplants, and other crops. |
| Cucurbits | It represents a gourd family consisting of about 965 species in around 95 genera. The major crops considered for this study include Cucumber & Gherkin, Pumpkin and squash, and other crops. |
| Brassicas | It is a genus of plants in the cabbage and mustard family. It includes crops such as carrots, cabbage, cauliflower & broccoli. |
| Roots & Bulbs | The roots and bulbs segment includes onion, garlic, potato, and other crops. |
| Unclassified Vegetables | This segment in the report includes the crops which don’t belong to any of the above-mentioned categories. These include crops such as okra, asparagus, lettuce, peas, spinach, and others. |
| Hybrid Seed | It is the first generation of the seed produced by controlling cross-pollination and by combining two or more varieties, or species. |
| Transgenic Seed | It is a seed that is genetically modified to contain certain desirable input and/or output traits. |
| Non-Transgenic Seed | The seed produced through cross-pollination without any genetic modification. |
| Open-Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | Open-pollinated varieties produce seeds true to type as they cross-pollinate only with other plants of the same variety. |
| Other Solanaceae | The crops considered under other Solanaceae include bell peppers and other different peppers based on the locality of the respective countries. |
| Other Brassicaceae | The crops considered under other brassicas include radishes, turnips, Brussels sprouts, and kale. |
| Other Roots & Bulbs | The crops considered under other roots & bulbs include Sweet Potatoes and cassava. |
| Other Cucurbits | The crops considered under other cucurbits include gourds (bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, Snake gourd, and others). |
| Other Grains & Cereals | The crops considered under other grains & cereals include Barley, Buck Wheat, Canary Seed, Triticale, Oats, Millets, and Rye. |
| Other Fibre Crops | The crops considered under other fibers include Hemp, Jute, Agave fibers, Flax, Kenaf, Ramie, Abaca, Sisal, and Kapok. |
| Other Oilseeds | The crops considered under other oilseeds include Ground nut, Hempseed, Mustard seed, Castor seeds, safflower seeds, Sesame seeds, and Linseeds. |
| Other Forage Crops | The crops considered under other forages include Napier grass, Oat grass, White clover, Ryegrass, and Timothy. Other forage crops were considered based on the locality of the respective countries. |
| Pulses | Pigeon peas, Lentils, Broad and horse beans, Vetches, Chickpeas, Cowpeas, Lupins, and Bambara beans are the crops considered under pulses. |
| Other Unclassified Vegetables | The crops considered under other unclassified vegetables include Artichokes, Cassava Leaves, Leeks, Chicory, and String beans. |
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Research Methodology
Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.
- Step-1: IDENTIFY KEY VARIABLES: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
- Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period.
- Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
- Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases, and Subscription Platforms
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