Biorational Pesticides Market Assessment, By Source [Microbials, Botanicals, Minerals, Others], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others], By Form [Liquid, Dry], By Application [Herbicides, Fungicides, Insectici

Biorational Pesticides Market Assessment, By Source [Microbials, Botanicals, Minerals, Others], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others], By Form [Liquid, Dry], By Application [Herbicides, Fungicides, Insecticides, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global biorational pesticides market is projected to witness a CAGR of 12.52% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 8.02 billion in 2023 to USD 20.61 billion in 2031. Currently, the market is witnessing growth, owing to an increase in the demand for agricultural solutions and practices that are environmentally friendly, as a greater number of farmers look for non-chemical ways to manage pests other than using chemical pesticides. Since biorational pesticides are obtained from natural sources, their usage minimizes the environmental impact. Based on source, microbial pesticides hold a substantial market share, owing to their efficiency and safe use. As botanical pesticides derived from plants are safe for the environment, it is appealing to farmers and other users. Pesticides based on minerals are used for selective control and apply to various pest problems.

Based on the crops grown, the pest challenges faced tend to differ and accordingly different biorational solutions are used. Biorational pesticides can be either liquid or dry and in their respective forms can influence the market dynamics based on the application ease, since liquids are mostly preferred while dry ones have prolonged retention.

The growth of the entire pesticide industry, including both chemical and biorational pesticides, has been accelerated as farmers aim at raising the production of crops and controlling pests in an environmentally friendly way. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2022, the overall pesticides used in agriculture was 3.70 million tonnes (Mt) of active ingredients. This marks a growth of 4% as compared to the year 2021 or, an increase of 13 percent over the period of the last ten years.

There is a growing tendency to adopt environmentally friendly practices to minimize agriculture's environmental impact. Productivity, on the other hand, remains at par with contemporary methods of agriculture.

The market is segmented into several geographic regions where certain agricultural practices or prevailing local laws differ, affecting the use of pesticides. It is expected that most farmers and other individuals on the agricultural front will demand green plans for pest control, which will accordingly enhance the biorational pesticide usage.

In July 2023, Corteva Agriscience and Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. signed a partnership agreement to make biological solutions more widely available in Europe. In accordance with the agreement, Corteva Agriscience and Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. will work together to fast track the registration process of a new bio-insecticide developed by Pro Farm, Bioceres’ subsidiary, in Europe.

New Formulation Technologies and Production Advancements Catalyze Market Expansion

The market for biorational pesticides is expanding due to the advancements in production and formulation technology. Innovative formulation methods increase the durability and efficacy of biorational treatments, resulting in more targeted and efficient pest management. Technologies such as micro and nano-encapsulation improve how active components are transported, improving performance and reducing environmental impact.

Enhancements in production techniques have resulted in a more effective manufacturing process that reduces expenses and increases product accessibility. As a result, these developments encourage the use of biorational pesticides across agricultural sectors in response to the need for pest management strategies that are less harmful to the environment.

In the course of improving product efficacy, the context of high technology development corresponds with the global tendencies to reduce chemical pesticides usage and promote sustainable agrarian practices.

In April 2024, Bayer AG and the UK-based AlphaBio Control partnered to launch a new bioinsecticide aimed at crops such as rapeseed and cereals. The recently developed bioinsecticide is effective against the Coleoptera cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB), a pest that inflicts serious harm on rapeseed crops by damaging the plants and destroying their young, sprouted seedlings.

Emerging Regulations and Initiatives to Fuel Market Growth

Regulatory policies and emerging initiatives are driving the rapid rise of the biorational pesticides market. Worldwide, governments and other regulatory authorities are imposing tougher rules and policies to minimize synthetic agrochemical usage, influencing a transition to more sustainable solutions for pest control. For instance, in July 2024, a new law became operative in Brussels prohibiting the use of conventional pesticides on agricultural land starting in 2030. In 2025, it will be illegal for anyone other than farmers to use synthetic pesticides.

Such new laws indicate that there should be adoption of biorational pesticides since they are less harmful to the environment as compared to conventional chemical pesticides and have a lower toxicity towards non-target species.

Furthermore, in March 2023, in order to combat the negative impact of plastic and pesticide use in agriculture, the governments of Ecuador, Kenya, India, Laos, Uruguay, the Philippines, and Vietnam launched a USD 379 million project. The five-year program is expected to reduce the release of more than 51,000 tonnes of toxic pesticides and over 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste. In addition, it is projected that the project will enable the avoidance of 35,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and protect over 3 million hectares of land from degradation as farms and farmers adopt lower or no chemical inputs.

Such programs facilitate the use of organic and environmentally safe farming practices by motivating and supporting the use of biorational products for agricultural systems.

Oilseeds and Pulses Hold a Substantial Market Share

Due to their global significance and the growing need for environmentally beneficial solutions of crop protection, oilseeds, and pulses share of the biorational pesticides industry is considerable. Such crops are generally vulnerable to a range of insects and diseases, which may lead to devastating effects on production levels and quality. Farmers are progressively employing biorational pesticides to control pest pressures on oilseeds, such as soybean, canola, and sunflower, in addition to pulses such as lentils, peas, and chickpeas. The use of biorational solutions, including microbial and botanical-based pesticide products, helps to mitigate pest problems without any toxic residues.

The growing trend in oilseeds and pulses due to industrial-related purposes has underscored the need for improved pest management practices. In addition, biorational pesticides have been used more widely to these crops because of the regulatory imperative to cut down on the use of chemical pesticides and embrace environmentally friendly farming methods. This trajectory is likely to continue owing to the growing awareness of the use of biorational pesticides in the production of oilseed and pulse crops and its impact on the environment and health.

In January 2024, Certis USA L.L.C. introduced its latest biofungicide, Convergence, providing row crop farmers, especially corn and soybean farmers, with a unified, practical, and economical approach that combines excellent disease control with plant health. Beneficial insects are not impacted by this solution, which promotes sustainability and long-term biodiversity while giving farmers a tool to control resistance on their own terms.

Asia-Pacific Holds the Dominant Market Share

The biorational pesticides market is led by Asia-Pacific because of its vast agricultural industry and the growing concerns towards eco-friendly farming practices. Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of this trend, given the challenges brought about by extreme pest invasions and rising threats to food security while increasing population densities. Due to the region’s focus on increasing agricultural production and government backing for sustainable farming, biorational pesticides have been adopted rapidly.

Besides, there has been a surge in the knowledge of farmers and agri-businesses about risks presented by chemical pesticides to people and the environment, thus increasing their preference for biorational options. The rich agricultural diversity of Asia-Pacific offers great chances for utilizing microbial, botanical, and mineral pesticides with an emphasis on high-value crops such as cereals, oil seeds, legumes, and fruits.

Moreover, the region's dominance is supported by the regulatory frameworks that encourage the reduction of chemical pesticide utilization, thus promoting safer and sustainable methods for pest control. Consequently, it is anticipated that there will be an ongoing positive trend in the biorational pesticides market in the forecast years in Asia-Pacific, with market players working continuously to bring innovative products to the market. For instance, in August 2023, the innovative biological crop protection product ENTAZIA biofungicide, developed using Bacillus subtilis, was launched by FMC India, an FMC Corporation subsidiary. With the help of this innovative biological solution, farmers can safeguard their crops from fungi while preserving the purity of the environment. It is a strong and long-lasting solution that can be used in an integrated pest management program.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Amidst rising concerns for environmental conservation and increasing regulatory pressure towards chemical pesticides, farmers are expected to embrace biorational pesticides progressively as greener substitutes.

The proficiency of biorational pesticides is expected to be improved through continuous improvements in formulation and production technology, such as nano-encapsulation and precision application methods. These improvements are expected to enhance the market by making them readily available and effective for different types of crops.

Governments and organizations will provide support and incentives to promote sustainable agriculture, adopt eco-friendly solutions, and expand their market opportunities.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The biorational pesticides market is characterized by the presence of numerous key players that are leading innovation and shaping the competitive landscape. These companies are focused on developing innovative and eco-friendly solutions that cater to the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. They invest heavily in research and development, aiming to introduce new formulations, such as microbial and botanical-based pesticides, that offer effective pest control without environmental impact.

The market is experiencing a trend of strategic partnerships and collaborations between pesticide producers, agricultural technology firms, and research institutions. This accelerates the development of next-generation biorational products while enhancing the capacity of these solutions into new regions and crop segments. Furthermore, many players are expanding their global presence through acquisitions and partnerships, enhancing their presence in emerging markets with a high agricultural potential. For instance, in January 2023, FBSciences Holdings, Inc. was acquired by Valent BioSciences LLC. Following this acquisition, Valent BioSciences LLC can provide innovative and well-researched range of integrated biorational solutions, such as crop nutrition solutions, biostimulants, and biopesticides.

The competitive landscape is expected to increase as more companies invest in sustainable agriculture technologies. With increasing regulatory support and increasing farmer awareness about eco-friendly alternatives, key players are well-positioned to benefit from the market's shift towards environmentally-friendly pest management solutions.