Market Overview
| Study Period | 2017 - 2030 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
| Market Size (2025) | USD 576.5 Million |
| Market Size (2030) | USD 686.5 Million |
| Growth Rate (2025 - 2030) | 3.55% 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. |
|
Philippines Rice Seed Market Analysis
The Philippines Rice Seed Market size is estimated at 576.5 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 686.5 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.55% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Philippines rice seed industry plays a crucial role in the country's agricultural sector, with rice being a staple food for approximately 80% of the population as of 2022. The market structure reflects a strong traditional farming base, with about 60% of the harvested rice area being irrigated, while the remaining cultivation occurs primarily in lowland rainfed conditions. The industry has witnessed significant technological advancement in recent years, particularly in developing improved agricultural seed varieties that cater to both traditional farming practices and modern agricultural requirements. The sector's evolution is characterized by a balanced approach between maintaining traditional farming methods and adopting innovative seed technologies.
The industry has experienced a notable shift towards sustainable and nutrition-focused seed development, particularly evident in the country's pioneering role in commercial transgenic rice cultivation. A significant development in this direction was the 2023 Commercial License Agreement between SL Agritech Corporation and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for two elite hybrid rice seed varieties - Mestiso 61 and Mestiso 68. This partnership represents a crucial step in addressing both productivity and nutritional challenges, especially considering that approximately 20% of children from the poorest communities experience vitamin A deficiency as of 2022.
The market is witnessing increased international collaboration and knowledge exchange, exemplified by the November 2023 partnership between SL Agritech Corporation and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corp for the production of SL-8H F1 seeds. Such collaborations are strengthening the country's position as a regional hub for rice seed innovation and development. The industry's focus has expanded beyond traditional yield metrics to include nutritional enhancement, with recent studies showing that substituting conventional rice with enhanced varieties could provide up to 89-113% of preschool children's recommended vitamin A requirement.
The rice seed market structure continues to evolve with a dual focus on preserving traditional varieties while promoting technological advancement. This approach has led to the development of a diverse seed portfolio that caters to various farming conditions and farmer preferences. The industry has maintained a balance between commercial viability and social responsibility, particularly in developing seeds that are both high-yielding and nutritionally enhanced. This strategic approach has positioned the Philippines as a significant player in the regional rice seed market, with increasing influence on global rice seed development and trade.
Philippines Rice Seed Market Trends
The Philippines focuses on rice cultivation to meet staple food demand, with OPVs dominating due to the low cost of seeds benefiting small scale-farmers
- The Philippines is one of the major rice-producing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for 3.4% of the total area. Rice is an important staple food for 80% of the population and a rich income source for many farmers. In the Philippines, the area under rice production was 4.8 million hectares in 2022. It is the eighth-largest country in terms of the area of rice cultivation. The acreage increased by 6.2% from 2016 to 2022 due to the rising demand for quality rice with increasing living standards. The major rice cultivation areas in the Philippines are Luzon, Western Visayas, Southern Mindanao, and Central Mindanao. Almost 60% of the harvested rice area is irrigated, and most of the remaining rice is grown in lowland rainfed conditions. More than 40% of the national rice production area was in Luzon.
- In the country, out of the rice production area in 2022, hybrid rice was cultivated on 584.2 thousand hectares, which was less than the acreage of open-pollinated varieties and hybrid derivatives, as OPVs accounted for 86.7% of the area cultivated. This high share of acreage was due to low-cost seeds, as the country mostly has small and marginal farmers. However, hybrid rice acreage is growing faster than OPVs, which may boost productivity.
- Growing concerns about self-sufficiency, increasing rice stocks as it is a major staple food consumed across the country, increasing availability of commercial seeds, adoption of transgenic rice, and the rising rice cultivation area are expected to drive the country's rice seed market during the forecast period.
Understand The Key Trends Shaping This Market
Download PDF
Increased demand for advanced disease-resistant and wider adaptability rice seeds to help in high-yield productivity through partnerships is driving the growth of the market
- In the Philippines, rice is the most grown staple food crop. Wider adaptability is the most adopted trait in rice cultivation due to changes in soil conditions with the demand for high yield and nutritional value from produced crops. For instance, seed varieties such as S6003 and S9001 Kharif by Syngenta AG and SL-20H provide higher yields with early maturity in different conditions. Moreover, seed companies popularly offer other major traits: resistance to bacterial blight, brown plant hopper, rice blast, and heat at the heading stage. Major seed companies include Bayer AG, DCM Shriram Ltd (Bioseed), Corteva Agriscience, and SeedWorks International Pvt. Ltd offers rice seeds resistant to common diseases such as bacterial blight and rice blasts.
- Weather conditions are changing in the country, and to help growers produce a high quantity of good quality rice, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) offer rice varieties that are drought-tolerant and can better survive during water stress conditions. Additionally, in 2021, Bioseed, a subsidiary of DCM Shriram, signed a partnership agreement with IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) to develop rice varieties for the Philippines, which are resistant to drought and flood conditions. Therefore, the development of drought-tolerant seed varieties is expected to increase during the forecast period to meet the high demand of growers.
- An increase in new varieties, such as disease-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties, are being developed to meet the demand for rice seeds. These are expected to help the market's growth during the forecast period.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Traditional breeding is the most common technique in rice as it is a self-pollinated crop
Segment Analysis: Breeding Technology
Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives Segment in Philippines Rice Seed Market
Open Pollinated Varieties (OPVs) and hybrid derivatives continue to dominate the Philippines rice seed market, commanding approximately 85% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily attributed to the traditional knowledge and practices associated with rice cultivation among Filipino farmers. OPVs are particularly prevalent in areas where farmers seek to minimize input costs, as these varieties allow them to save seeds for subsequent plantings and require fewer fertilizers compared to hybrid seeds. The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) has developed several high-yielding OPV varieties that have been certified for commercial planting by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC), with varieties like NSIC Rc222 gaining widespread adoption due to their pest resistance, disease tolerance, and excellent consumption quality. The use of certified rice seed ensures quality and consistency in yield.
Hybrids Segment in Philippines Rice Seed Market
The hybrid rice seed segment in the Philippines rice seed market is demonstrating robust growth potential, projected to expand at approximately 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This growth trajectory is driven by several factors, including the government's strategic focus on hybridization as a crucial component for achieving rice self-sufficiency. The segment's expansion is further supported by the fact that hybrid rice seed varieties can potentially yield twice as much rice per hectare compared to conventional varieties, making them increasingly attractive in addressing the country's high rice consumption needs. The recent commercialization of golden rice, a transgenic variety rich in beta-carotene, has added momentum to the hybrid segment's growth, particularly given its potential to address vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. The integration of advanced rice breeding techniques and the utilization of diverse rice germplasm are pivotal in enhancing the performance of these hybrid varieties.
Philippines Rice Seed Industry Overview
Top Companies in Philippines Rice Seed Market
The Philippines rice seed market features a mix of global agricultural giants and domestic specialists actively competing through various strategic initiatives. Companies are increasingly focusing on developing hybrid varieties with enhanced traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, and improved yield potential to meet evolving farmer needs. Research and development investments are primarily directed towards creating varieties adapted to local growing conditions and climate challenges. Operational strategies emphasize building robust distribution networks and partnerships with local agricultural institutions to enhance market reach. Companies are also expanding their presence through demonstration farms and farmer training programs to showcase product benefits and drive adoption. Strategic collaborations with research institutes and government bodies for variety development and commercialization have become crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage in the market.
Fragmented Market with Strong Local Players
The Philippines rice seed market exhibits a highly fragmented structure with a diverse mix of multinational corporations, domestic companies, and public sector institutions. Global agricultural conglomerates like Bayer AG and Syngenta Group compete alongside strong domestic players such as SL Agritech Corporation, which has established itself as a significant force in the local market. The competitive landscape is characterized by the presence of specialized seed companies focusing exclusively on rice breeding and production, as well as diversified agricultural input providers offering broader product portfolios.
The market demonstrates moderate consolidation tendencies, with the top players collectively holding a significant but not dominant market position. Merger and acquisition activities remain limited, with companies preferring organic growth strategies and strategic partnerships over outright acquisitions. Local companies maintain strong market positions through their deep understanding of regional farming practices and established relationships with farming communities. Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in market dynamics, particularly in research and development initiatives and the commercialization of new varieties.
Innovation and Distribution Key to Growth
Success in the Philippines rice seed market increasingly depends on companies' ability to develop innovative products while maintaining strong distribution networks. Incumbent players must focus on continuous product development, particularly in areas of disease resistance and climate resilience, while maintaining competitive pricing strategies to retain market share. Building and maintaining strong relationships with agricultural extension services and local farming communities has become essential for market success. Companies need to invest in farmer education programs and demonstration activities to showcase the benefits of their products and drive adoption rates.
For new entrants and smaller players, establishing niche market positions through specialized product offerings and focused regional strategies offers potential for growth. Success factors include developing cost-effective distribution models, building strong technical support capabilities, and establishing partnerships with local agricultural institutions. Companies must also navigate regulatory requirements, particularly regarding transgenic varieties, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. The ability to provide comprehensive agronomic support services alongside seed products is becoming increasingly important for maintaining a competitive advantage in the market. Additionally, the marketing strategies for rice in the Philippines require strategic approaches to effectively reach target audiences.
Philippines Rice Seed Market Leaders
-
Advanta Seeds - UPL
-
Bayer AG
-
SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC)
-
Syngenta Group
-
Yuan Longping High-Tech Agriculture Co. Ltd
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF
Philippines Rice Seed Market News
- November 2022: Agritech Corporation (SLAC) and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corp (BDAC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the production of SL-8H F1 seeds. This agreement is a significant step in strengthening agricultural technology development and collaboration between the Philippines and Bangladesh.
- October 2022: SL Agritech Corporation (SLAC) has raised USD 728 million through the issuance of commercial papers. The funds generated from these issuances will be utilized to meet the company's short-term obligations and purchase rice and seed inventories from its contract growers.
- June 2021: Bioseed, a subsidiary of DCM Shriram, launched a Bio-Innovation Center through the IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) partnership. It is a new initiative focused on research products and innovations.
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, PHILIPPINES, 2017-2022
- Figure 2:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR RICE TRAITS, %, PHILIPPINES, 2022
- Figure 3:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE BREEDING TECHNIQUES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2022
- Figure 4:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 5:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 6:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 7:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 8:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 9:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 10:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 11:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 12:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 13:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 14:
- VOLUME OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 15:
- VALUE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 16:
- VALUE SHARE OF NON-TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS RICE SEED BY HYBRIDS, %, PHILIPPINES, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 17:
- VOLUME OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 18:
- VALUE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 19:
- VOLUME SHARE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 20:
- VALUE SHARE OF RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS CATEGORIES, %, PHILIPPINES, 2017 VS 2023 VS 2030
- Figure 21:
- VOLUME OF OTHER TRAITS RICE SEED, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 22:
- VALUE OF OTHER TRAITS RICE SEED, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 23:
- VALUE SHARE OF OTHER TRAITS RICE SEED BY TRANSGENIC HYBRIDS, %, PHILIPPINES, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 24:
- VOLUME OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED, METRIC TON, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 25:
- VALUE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED, USD, PHILIPPINES, 2017 - 2030
- Figure 26:
- VALUE SHARE OF OPEN POLLINATED VARIETIES & HYBRID DERIVATIVES RICE SEED BY BREEDING TECHNOLOGY, %, PHILIPPINES, 2023 AND 2030
- Figure 27:
- MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES BY NUMBER OF STRATEGIC MOVES, COUNT, PHILIPPINES, 2017-2023
- Figure 28:
- MOST ADOPTED STRATEGIES, COUNT, PHILIPPINES, 2017-2023
- Figure 29:
- VALUE SHARE OF MAJOR PLAYERS, %, PHILIPPINES
Philippines 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 | Other Traits | |||
| Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | ||||
Breeding Technology
| Hybrids | Non-Transgenic Hybrids | ||
| Transgenic Hybrids | Other Traits | ||
| Open Pollinated Varieties & Hybrid Derivatives | |||
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now
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. |
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question
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
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF
