Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 393.6 Million |
Market Size (2030) | USD 591.6 Million |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 8.49 % |
Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
India Herbicide Market Analysis
The India Herbicide Market size is estimated at 393.6 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 591.6 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.49% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
India's agricultural sector is experiencing a significant transformation in weed management practices, driven by the pressing challenge of crop losses. With weeds causing substantial annual crop losses of approximately 45% as of 2022, farmers are increasingly transitioning from traditional manual weeding methods to more efficient chemical-based approaches. This shift is particularly evident in the adoption of mechanized and chemical-based weed control solutions, which are rapidly replacing conventional manual weeding practices across both small-scale and large-scale farming operations. The agricultural sector's modernization efforts, coupled with the growing awareness of efficient weed management techniques, have led to increased acceptance of herbicide applications among farmers.
The evolution of herbicide application methods has become a defining characteristic of the Indian agricultural landscape. Soil treatment has emerged as the dominant application mode, commanding a 46.4% market share in 2022, owing to its effectiveness in managing weeds during their early growth stages. This is complemented by foliar and chemigation applications, which collectively accounted for 51.9% of the market share in 2022, demonstrating the diverse approaches being adopted by farmers. The integration of these various application methods has enabled farmers to implement more comprehensive and effective weed control strategies, leading to improved crop yields and reduced labor dependencies.
The commercial crops sector has witnessed substantial developments in herbicide utilization, particularly in cotton cultivation. The expansion of cultivation areas and the adoption of intensive agricultural practices have necessitated more sophisticated weed management approaches. Farmers are implementing diverse herbicide application strategies to address the specific challenges posed by different weed species, particularly during the critical early growth stages of commercial crops. The industry has also seen significant technological advancements in herbicide formulations, with manufacturers developing products that offer improved efficacy and environmental sustainability.
The market is experiencing a notable shift toward integrated weed management solutions that combine chemical herbicides with precision application technologies. Agricultural technology companies are developing innovative solutions that enable more precise and efficient herbicide application, reducing waste and improving effectiveness. These advancements include the development of targeted application systems, smart spraying technologies, and improved formulations that provide better weed control while minimizing environmental impact. The industry's focus on research and development has led to the introduction of new active ingredients and formulations that address specific weed challenges while meeting increasingly stringent regulatory requirements.
India Herbicide Market Trends
Herbicide consumption is anticipated to expand to manage the weed challenges due to growing losses of crops
- Mechanized and chemical-based weed control approaches are rapidly replacing traditional manual weeding methods. Farmers use herbicides as a cost-effective and efficient way to manage weeds in small-scale and large-scale farming operations.
- With the aim of increasing crop productivity, farmers in India have been practicing crop intensification, which involves repeated cropping cycles within a year. This intensification frequently results in increased weed pressure, necessitating the application of herbicides to maintain crop productivity. The average herbicide consumption per hectare accounted for 49.7 g/ha.
- Herbicide consumption per hectare can vary based on numerous aspects such as crop type, weed infestation level, agricultural practices, and weed management strategies. The consumption of herbicides in India per hectare increased by 6.0% from 2017 to 2022. Herbicide usage per capita in India increased to boost the average agricultural output per hectare. Farmers' growing awareness of the advantages of herbicides, along with the availability of a wide range of herbicides on the market, has contributed to their increased usage.
- The utilization of genetically modified (GM) crops that possess herbicide-tolerant characteristics, like herbicide-tolerant cotton (Bt cotton), and the development of hybridized mustard such as DMH-11 using the "barnase/barstar" technique for genetic modification has enabled farmers to employ herbicides more extensively in weed management. These modified crops are designed to endure specific herbicides, empowering farmers to utilize herbicides to a greater extent for effective weed control.
Atrazine, paraquat, and glyphosate are major herbicides used in the country
- India has a wide range of agroclimates and soil types. The highly diverse agriculture and farming systems are beset with different types of weed problems. Weeds cause 10% to 80% crop yield losses, besides impairing product quality and causing health and environmental hazards. Atrazine, paraquat, and glyphosate are major herbicides used in the country.
- Atrazine is an herbicide widely used to control broadleaf and grassy weeds like Echinocloa, Elusine spp, and Amaranthus viridis in maize and rice crops in India. The herbicide was valued at USD 13.5 thousand in 2022. India is the world's largest importer of Atrazine technical and imports majorly from China, Italy, and Israel.
- Paraquat is a broad-spectrum contact herbicide, accounting for USD 4.6 thousand in 2022. A total of 14 commercial names of paraquat dichloride are sold in India. It is used in about 25 crops, including cereals, pulses, oil seeds, vegetables, and cash crops. However, the Central Insecticide Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) has approved its use in only nine crops.
- Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide used to control weeds like Cynodon dactylon, Imperata cylindrica, and Arundinella bengalensis. As per the notice issued by the Government of India in September 2022, glyphosate can be used only in tea gardens and non-crop areas. It was valued at USD 1.1 thousand in 2022.
- The Government of India has continuously provided budgetary support to revive the rural economy and increase farmers’ income. A number of measures and initiatives were proposed and announced during the FY22 budget for the improvement of the agriculture sector and the rural economy. This is expected to influence the prices of herbicides in the country further.
Segment Analysis: Application Mode
Soil Treatment Segment in India Herbicide Market
Soil treatment has emerged as the dominant application mode in India's herbicide market, commanding approximately 47% market share in 2024, while also demonstrating the strongest growth trajectory. This application method has gained significant traction among farmers due to its effectiveness in managing weed seeds and seedlings during their early growth stages. The method involves applying granular herbicide directly to the soil, creating a protective barrier that inhibits weed seed germination and establishment. Farmers particularly favor this approach in grain and cereal crops due to their higher water requirements and susceptibility to weed infestations. The method's popularity stems from its ability to reduce water stress caused by weeds, ensuring crops receive necessary resources for optimal growth. Additionally, treating soil with herbicides has proven cost-effective, reducing the need for labor-intensive manual weeding or expensive mechanical methods.

Remaining Segments in Herbicide Application Modes
The herbicide application market in India encompasses several other significant application modes, including foliar application, chemigation, and fumigation. Foliar application represents a targeted approach where selective herbicide is applied directly to weed foliage, ensuring precise control while minimizing impact on the main crop. Chemigation has gained prominence as an efficient method that combines irrigation and herbicide application, particularly beneficial in regions with water scarcity. This method offers improved water management while ensuring effective weed control. Fumigation, though representing a smaller share, plays a crucial role in controlling resilient and deep-rooted weeds that are difficult to eliminate through other methods. Each of these application modes serves specific purposes and conditions, providing farmers with a comprehensive range of options for effective weed management across various crop types and growing conditions.
Segment Analysis: Crop Type
Grains & Cereals Segment in India Herbicide Market
The Grains & Cereals segment dominates the Indian herbicide market, commanding approximately 45% market share in 2024. This significant market position is attributed to India's status as the second-largest producer of both wheat and rice globally. The segment's prominence is driven by the substantial impact of weed infestation on crop yields, with rice experiencing losses of around 42%, wheat about 16%, and maize nearly 40%. The increasing adoption of herbicides in this segment is particularly notable in addressing challenging weeds like Phalaris minor in rice crops, which have developed resistance to conventional treatments. Farmers are implementing diverse herbicide applications to combat these resistant weeds, leading to higher application rates and increased frequency of treatments to ensure optimal crop protection and yield maintenance.
Commercial Crops Segment in India Herbicide Market
The Commercial Crops segment is experiencing the fastest growth trajectory in the Indian herbicide market, with a projected growth rate of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is primarily driven by the expanding cultivation area of key commercial crops, particularly cotton, which requires intensive weed management due to its slow initial growth and wide row spacing. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing adoption of modern agricultural chemical practices and sophisticated weed management strategies. Farmers are increasingly recognizing the importance of effective herbicide applications in commercial crops to maximize yield potential and maintain crop quality. The segment is witnessing enhanced focus on developing specialized liquid herbicide solutions tailored for commercial crops, particularly in addressing specific weed challenges in cotton, sugarcane, and other high-value commercial crops.
Remaining Segments in Crop Type
The remaining segments in the Indian herbicide market include Pulses & Oilseeds, Fruits & Vegetables, and Turf & Ornamental applications. The Pulses & Oilseeds segment maintains significant importance due to India's position as the fourth-largest producer of oilseeds globally, with increasing focus on weed management in crops like soybeans, groundnuts, and various pulse varieties. The Fruits & Vegetables segment is gaining prominence due to India's growing export market and the need for quality produce, while the Turf & Ornamental segment serves specialized applications in landscaping and recreational areas. Each of these segments contributes uniquely to the market's diversity, addressing specific weed control challenges across different agricultural applications.
India Herbicide Industry Overview
Top Companies in India Herbicide Market
The Indian herbicide market is led by established players, including Bayer AG, UPL Limited, PI Industries, Corteva Agriscience, and FMC Corporation, who collectively drive market innovation and growth. These companies are actively pursuing product development initiatives, focusing on creating environmentally sustainable and effective herbicide solutions through extensive R&D investments. Operational agility is demonstrated through strategic partnerships with local distributors and e-commerce platforms to enhance market reach and farmer accessibility. Companies are expanding their manufacturing capabilities through new facility establishments and capacity expansions to meet growing demand. The market is characterized by strategic collaborations between major players to develop next-generation herbicide products, while also focusing on digital integration and smart farming solutions to provide comprehensive crop protection services.
Market Dominated by Global Agricultural Conglomerates
The Indian agrochemical market structure reflects a mix of global agricultural conglomerates and domestic specialists, with multinational companies holding significant market share through their established brand presence and extensive distribution networks. These global players leverage their international research capabilities and technological expertise to maintain a competitive advantage, while domestic companies like PI Industries and UPL Limited have strengthened their positions through strategic partnerships and local market understanding. The market demonstrates moderate consolidation, with the top players controlling a substantial portion of the market through their diverse product portfolios and strong farmer relationships.
The market has witnessed significant merger and acquisition activities, with companies pursuing strategic acquisitions to expand their product offerings and geographical presence. Notable transactions include Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto and UPL's acquisition of Arysta LifeScience, which have reshaped the competitive landscape. These consolidation moves have enabled companies to achieve economies of scale, enhance their research capabilities, and strengthen their market position through expanded product portfolios and distribution networks.
Innovation and Distribution Key to Growth
For incumbent companies to maintain and increase their market share, focus needs to be placed on developing innovative agrochemical solutions that address evolving weed resistance challenges while meeting environmental sustainability requirements. Companies must invest in research and development to create products with improved efficacy and safety profiles, while also strengthening their distribution networks through digital platforms and local partnerships. Building strong relationships with farming communities through educational initiatives and technical support services will be crucial for maintaining market leadership.
Contending companies can gain ground by focusing on niche market segments and developing specialized plant protection solutions for specific crop types or regional requirements. Success in the market will require building robust distribution networks, particularly in underserved regions, and establishing strategic partnerships with local agricultural institutions and farmer cooperatives. Companies must also prepare for potential regulatory changes regarding herbicide usage and environmental protection, while investing in sustainable product development to meet growing environmental concerns. The ability to provide integrated crop protection solutions, combined with digital farming technologies, will be crucial for future success in this competitive market.
India Herbicide Market Leaders
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Bayer AG
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Corteva Agriscience
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FMC Corporation
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PI Industries
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UPL Limited
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
India Herbicide Market News
- January 2023: Bayer formed a new partnership with Oerth Bio to enhance crop protection technology and create more eco-friendly crop protection solutions.
- August 2022: BASF and Corteva Agriscience collaborated to provide soybean farmers with the weed control of the future. By working together, BASF and Corteva aim to satisfy farmers' demand for specialized weed control solutions that are distinct from those that are currently available or being developed.
- June 2022: FMC introduced Austral Herbicide, a brand-new pre-emergent herbicide for sugarcane crops. In the critical sugarcane growth period, Austral Herbicide offers a new degree of broad-spectrum weed control.
India Herbicide Market Report - Table of Contents
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS
2. REPORT OFFERS
3. INTRODUCTION
- 3.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
- 3.2 Scope of the Study
- 3.3 Research Methodology
4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS
- 4.1 Consumption Of Pesticide Per Hectare
- 4.2 Pricing Analysis For Active Ingredients
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4.3 Regulatory Framework
- 4.3.1 India
- 4.4 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)
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5.1 Application Mode
- 5.1.1 Chemigation
- 5.1.2 Foliar
- 5.1.3 Fumigation
- 5.1.4 Soil Treatment
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5.2 Crop Type
- 5.2.1 Commercial Crops
- 5.2.2 Fruits & Vegetables
- 5.2.3 Grains & Cereals
- 5.2.4 Pulses & Oilseeds
- 5.2.5 Turf & Ornamental
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Key Strategic Moves
- 6.2 Market Share Analysis
- 6.3 Company Landscape
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6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and analysis of Recent Developments)
- 6.4.1 ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Ltd
- 6.4.2 BASF SE
- 6.4.3 Bayer AG
- 6.4.4 Corteva Agriscience
- 6.4.5 FMC Corporation
- 6.4.6 Gharda Chemicals Ltd
- 6.4.7 PI Industries
- 6.4.8 Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd
- 6.4.9 Syngenta Group
- 6.4.10 UPL Limited
7. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR CROP PROTECTION CHEMICALS CEOS
8. APPENDIX
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8.1 Global Overview
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
- 8.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
- 8.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
- 8.2 Sources & References
- 8.3 List of Tables & Figures
- 8.4 Primary Insights
- 8.5 Data Pack
- 8.6 Glossary of Terms
India Herbicide Industry Segmentation
Chemigation, Foliar, Fumigation, Soil Treatment are covered as segments by Application Mode. Commercial Crops, Fruits & Vegetables, Grains & Cereals, Pulses & Oilseeds, Turf & Ornamental are covered as segments by Crop Type.Application Mode | Chemigation |
Foliar | |
Fumigation | |
Soil Treatment | |
Crop Type | Commercial Crops |
Fruits & Vegetables | |
Grains & Cereals | |
Pulses & Oilseeds | |
Turf & Ornamental |
India Herbicide Market Research FAQs
How big is the India Herbicide Market?
The India Herbicide Market size is expected to reach USD 393.56 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 8.49% to reach USD 591.58 million by 2030.
What is the current India Herbicide Market size?
In 2025, the India Herbicide Market size is expected to reach USD 393.56 million.
Who are the key players in India Herbicide Market?
Bayer AG, Corteva Agriscience, FMC Corporation, PI Industries and UPL Limited are the major companies operating in the India Herbicide Market.
Which segment has the biggest share in the India Herbicide Market?
In the India Herbicide Market, the Soil Treatment segment accounts for the largest share by application mode.
Which is the fastest growing segment in the India Herbicide Market?
In 2025, the Soil Treatment segment accounts for the fastest growing by application mode in the India Herbicide Market.
What years does this India Herbicide Market cover, and what was the market size in 2025?
In 2025, the India Herbicide Market size was estimated at 393.56 million. The report covers the India Herbicide Market historical market size for years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the India Herbicide Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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India Herbicide Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the India herbicide market, utilizing extensive expertise in the agrochemical and pesticide industry research. Our detailed report examines the full range of weed control chemical solutions, including categories such as selective herbicide, organic herbicide, and synthetic herbicide. The analysis covers various formulations, such as granular herbicide, liquid herbicide, and powder herbicide products. We place a special focus on key compounds like glyphosate and emerging plant protection technologies.
Stakeholders in the agricultural chemical and crop protection chemical sectors gain valuable insights through our detailed report PDF, available for immediate download. The research encompasses crucial aspects of chemical weed control and industrial vegetation control. It provides strategic information about weed management practices across India. Our analysis includes detailed assessments of agricultural herbicide applications, covering both agricultural weed control methods and emerging trends in the pesticide market size in India. The report offers actionable intelligence for manufacturers, distributors, and end-users involved in plant protection and crop enhancement activities.