Market Trends in Rice Seed Treatment and Innovative Solutions worth Watching

Rice seed treatment is a specialized practice within the seed treatment market that focuses on treating rice seeds to optimize their quality and safeguard them from various pests and diseases. Rice is one of the most important staple crops globally, providing a significant portion of the world's population with their primary source of nutrition. Rice is not only a dietary staple for a large portion of the world's population but also a vital source of nutrition and economic stability in many countries. It serves as a primary food source, particularly in regions of Asia, where rice consumption is deeply ingrained in cultural and culinary practices. As a highly versatile and energy-rich crop, rice provides essential carbohydrates, proteins, and other vital nutrients necessary for human sustenance.

According to an article released by the USDA in December 2022, the top five rice-producing countries during the period 2017/18-21/22 were identified. China stands as the largest producer with an annual average production of 148.277 million tons, followed closely by India at 120.544 million tons. Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam complete the list with average production figures of 34.960, 34.772, and 27.310 million tons, respectively. The article also mentioned the top rice-consuming countries for the period 2019/20-21/22. China leads the consumption list with an annual average consumption of 150.621 million tons. India follows closely with 104.170 million tons, while Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam consume 36.100, 35.517, and 21.383 million tons, respectively (Figure 1). These production and consumption figures highlight the significant demand for rice in countries like China and India, both as producers and consumers. As these countries have large populations and heavily rely on rice as a staple food, the demand for rice seed treatments is likely to remain high. Farmers in these countries would require effective seed treatments to protect their crops from diseases and pests, ensuring a stable food supply and optimal yields. Moreover, countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam also play significant roles in both production and consumption. The demand for rice seed treatments in these countries can be influenced by factors such as disease prevalence, pest pressures, and efforts to enhance crop productivity. Additionally, emerging markets and regions with increasing rice consumption, such as Africa and Latin America, can also contribute to the demand for rice seed treatments. These regions may experience growing agricultural practices and a need for advanced technologies to improve productivity, making them potential markets for seed treatment products.

Figure 1: Top rice-producing and rice-consuming countries in the world. Source: USDA

Considering the significance of rice as a staple crop, protecting rice seeds from potential threats becomes crucial. The quality of rice seeds directly impacts crop productivity, yield potential, and overall food security. Ensuring successful germination and establishment of rice plants is paramount for attaining optimal yields and meeting the increasing global demand for rice. Numerous challenges pose threats to rice seeds throughout their lifecycle. Seed-borne pathogens, including fungi and bacteria, can significantly impact seed quality and cause diseases that affect plant health and productivity. Rice blast, caused by the fungus Pyricularia oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases affecting rice crops worldwide, causing substantial yield losses. Other diseases like sheath blight, brown spot, and bacterial leaf blight can also reduce crop productivity.

The market for rice seed treatment is characterized by different factors, including the functions it serves, the types of treatments available, and the techniques used for application. These factors contribute to the diverse landscape of the rice seed treatment market. In terms of function, rice seed treatments are designed to fulfill two primary purposes: seed protection and seed enhancement. Seed protection involves measures to safeguard rice seeds from diseases, pests, and other threats that could hamper their germination and overall health. On the other hand, seed enhancement focuses on improving the quality and performance of rice seeds, promoting better germination rates, seedling vigor, and overall crop productivity. The market also offers a range of treatment types for rice seeds. Chemical treatments involve the use of pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides to protect against pathogens and pests. Non-chemical treatments, on the other hand, encompass biological agents, biopesticides, and other organic or natural methods for seed protection and enhancement. This diversification allows farmers to choose treatments that align with their preferences, regulations, and sustainability goals. Furthermore, rice seed treatments can be applied using various techniques. Seed coating involves the application of a thin layer of active ingredients onto the surface of rice seeds, providing protection and enhancement. Seed pelleting entails the formation of small granules or pellets by coating the seeds with a mixture of active ingredients and binders, facilitating accurate seeding and protection. Seed dressing involves soaking or dusting the seeds with treatment solutions before sowing, ensuring uniform coverage and efficacy.

By offering different functions, types, and application techniques, the rice seed treatment market provides farmers with a range of options to protect and enhance their rice crops. This diversity allows them to tailor their approach based on specific requirements, environmental considerations, and local regulations. The key players in the seed treatment market are Bayer AG (Germany), Syngenta AG (Switzerland), UPL Limited (India), ADAMA (Israel) and Corteva (US). These companies provide a range of seed treatment products that effectively address pest and disease challenges in rice cultivation, helping farmers protect their crops and maximize productivity. The influence of these companies extends beyond their product offerings.

They invest in research and development to introduce new technologies and improve existing seed treatment solutions. They also collaborate with farmers, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to provide valuable agronomic support and knowledge sharing, thereby strengthening their position in the market. For instance, Bayer AG launched Routine Start 280FS in May 2022. In addition to the launch, Bayer Vietnam organized a launch event for the product in Hau Giang, where farmers and pesticide dealers had the opportunity to learn about its benefits. The event aimed to raise awareness about rice blast disease and the importance of seed treatment in preventing its spread. By directly engaging with farmers and key stakeholders in the Mekong River region, Bayer Vietnam sought to expand the reach of Routine Start and provide farmers with a more efficient solution for protecting their crops and achieving sustainable development. The event also highlighted Bayer's commitment to supporting farmers and promoting responsible product use through stewardship programs, which educate farmers on the proper and responsible application of crop protection products.

Another example is that of Corteva (US), a seed and crop protection major, that introduced its seed coating technology for paddy crops to combat pests such as leaf folder and yellow stem borer, which significantly reduced yields across key rice-growing regions. The company treated conventional and hybrid rice seeds with Corteva's molecule, providing inbuilt protection against pests and diseases. Field trials conducted by the company in Telangana showed a significant reduction in pesticide and fungicide applications during the vegetative stage, resulting in higher yields of 5% to 6% for farmers. The technology was successfully introduced in Thailand, and plans were underway to roll it out in Indonesia. The company filed an application with the Central Insecticides Board (CIB) for the registration of the technology. Corteva's focus was on conducting demonstrations with farmers to reduce cultivation costs and increase paddy crop yields, thereby helping farmers in their agricultural practices.

Market Trends:

● Integrated Seed Treatment Solutions:

The rice seed treatment market is witnessing a trend towards integrated seed treatment solutions, which involve combining multiple functions into a single treatment. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic solution to seed treatment, addressing various aspects of seed performance. By integrating seed protection and enhancement functionalities, such as disease and pest control, nutrient enhancement, and growth promotion, farmers can optimize the performance of their seeds.

For instance, Bayer Vietnam's introduction of Routine Start 280FS in May 2022, a seed treatment product specifically developed to protect early-season rice seeds from rice blast fungi, a destructive disease for rice crops. By combining Isotianil and Trifloxystrobin, Routine Start activates the plants' natural defenses, reducing the need for additional foliar fungicide applications and enhancing the management of other diseases. This integrated seed treatment solution allows farmers to ensure healthier rice plants, minimize crop losses, and improve both yields and revenues.

● Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions:

Environmental sustainability is increasingly important in the rice seed treatment market. There is a growing demand for seed treatment products and techniques that minimize the environmental impact while maintaining effective disease and pest management. Eco-friendly seed treatments focus on using environmentally safe and biodegradable ingredients, reducing the use of synthetic chemicals, and adopting sustainable practices throughout the seed treatment process. These sustainable solutions aim to protect the environment, preserve biodiversity, and ensure the long-term sustainability of rice cultivation while meeting the desired crop protection goals.

For instance, the recognition of Corteva Agriscience's Rinskor™ active with a 2018 Green Chemistry Challenge Award demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and aligns with the market trend of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in the rice seed treatment market. Rinskor™ active, a rice herbicide, provides a sustainable solution for rice farmers to control grass, broadleaf, and sedge weeds. Its favorable human health and environmental profiles, including low persistence in soil and water and low toxicity to non-target organisms, contribute to reducing the environmental impact of rice production. Additionally, Rinskor™ active has low use rates compared to other commonly used rice herbicides, minimizing risks to farmers, applicators, and non-target animals and plants. By offering an effective weed management tool that supports rice production while prioritizing environmental responsibility, Rinskor™ active promotes sustainable farming practices and supports the eco-friendly solutions market trend in the rice seed treatment industry.

● Advances in Seed Treatment Technologies:

The rice seed treatment market is witnessing continuous advancements in seed treatment technologies. These advancements encompass formulation innovations and application techniques that aim to improve the efficiency, precision, and effectiveness of seed treatments. Formulation innovations involve the development of new active ingredients, improved delivery systems, and enhanced coating materials to ensure optimal seed coverage and adhesion. Application techniques are evolving to provide more precise and uniform seed treatment, minimizing waste, and maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment. These technological advancements contribute to enhanced crop productivity, improved disease and pest control, and overall better seed performance.

For instance, in 2022, ADAMA launched three new herbicides for rice growers, including two propanil-based products called Diverge™ Silk and Diverge™ EC. This launch showcased ADAMA's dedication to advancing seed treatment technologies in the rice seed treatment market. Additionally, ADAMA introduced the Max-Ace® Rice Cropping Solution, developed in collaboration with RiceTec, which featured their herbicide tolerant technology through Highcard™ herbicide. This comprehensive solution aimed to optimize hybrid and varietal yields, provide superior control of weeds and grass, and ensure maximum crop safety. By introducing these innovative herbicides and cropping solutions, ADAMA supported the market trend of advances in seed treatment technologies for rice. These developments offered rice growers improved options for weed management and crop growth promotion, leading to enhanced productivity and profitability.

If you want to know more information,
please contact Neha Singh at
neha.s@marketsandmarkets.com
or call her: +1-888-972-7472

This article was initially published in AgroPages' '2023 Seed Treatment Special' magazine.

Sponsored by Click to read / download