India Herbicide Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

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.

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