Global agricultural microbials market to reach USD 6.01 Billion by 2022

The agricultural microbials market is estimated at USD 3.09 Billion in 2017, and is projected to reach USD 6.01 Billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 14.21%. The agricultural and environmental benefits associated with these microbial solutions are the major factors contributing to the growth of this market, globally. In comparison to their chemical counterparts, microbial solutions are very target-specific.

Crop protection is the major function targeted by agricultural input companies. Owing to the increasing ban on chemical pesticides in major countries, there is an immense scope and an increasing demand for the development of agricultural microbials. The reduced development cost and time associated with microbial pesticides, reduction in the availability of chemical or synthetic active ingredients, and increase in pest resistance to several chemical pesticides is pushing the market growth toward microbial crop protection.

The agricultural microbials market, based on type, has been segmented into bacteria, fungi, virus, and protozoa. The application of bacteria in agriculture has increased in terms of biofertilizers and biopesticides, as these provide higher and healthy yields in a sustainable manner. Bacterial strains are easily available in the surrounding environment and can be isolated and reproduced. The application of bacterial strains in agriculture is expected to increase with the entry of agrochemical players and a rise in the number of product launches.

Fruits & vegetables are mostly eaten without industrial processing; the concerns regarding pesticide residue is higher in such crops as compared to that in other crop types that are not consumed in their raw form. Thus, agricultural microbials are most prominently used in the production of fruits & vegetables. Thus, the market for the use of agricultural microbials in fruit & vegetable cultivation is estimated to dominate the global market in 2017.

Microbials can be applied in a number of ways, of which foliar spray is the most widely accepted application mode across the globe. However, precision targeting and application advantages associated with seed treatment have been gaining importance in recent times for microbials across the globe. Controlled-release is another technology being explored by research institutions and key players to enhance integrated pest management and the sustainability of their products.

The agricultural microbials market, in terms of formulation, was dominated by the liquid segment. The convenience in use, handling, and application of liquid microbial products are the major reasons that support the acceptance of these products among farmers. However, manufacturers have been developing a number of dry microbial products for crop protection, owing to which the segment is projected to grow at a higher rate in the coming years.