Seed Coating Market Assessment, By Process [Film Coating, Encrusting, Pelleting], By Material [Polymers, Colorants, Binders, Minerals, Microbial Agents, Others], By Form [Liquid, Powder], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and V

Seed Coating Market Assessment, By Process [Film Coating, Encrusting, Pelleting], By Material [Polymers, Colorants, Binders, Minerals, Microbial Agents, Others], By Form [Liquid, Powder], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Flowers and Ornamentals, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global seed coating market is projected to witness a CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.95 billion in 2023 to USD 3.63 billion in 2031. Over the years, there has been growth in the market that can be attributed to the increased demand for environmentally friendly farming techniques and greater crop yields. The soaring concentration on food safety is moving alongside a booming population that requires better-quality seeds with improved efficiency.

Biodegradable and non-toxic coating solutions are being researched and developed by market players who are making huge investments in the market for seed treatment and eco-friendly coating innovations. For instance, in November 2023, BIOWEG UG collaborated with Bayer Forge to come up with ecological seed coating materials that fulfill functional requirements. The collaboration was a step towards minimizing agricultural ecological footprints by utilizing biodegradable formulation materials and active components for seed coatings.

Coatings are expensive, thus deterred by small-scale farmers and high costs, creating challenges for the market. Moreover, regulations on environmental impact are a hindrance to their acceptance. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that the increasing awareness of the advantages, such as diminished reliance on artificial pest control substances and fertilizers, can counterbalance these problems. Consequently, as farmers look for better techniques to maintain their crops, there is likely to be uniform growth in the global seed coating market in the forecast years.

Improved Crop Yield and Seed Performance Catalyzes Market Expansion

In terms of modern agriculture, seed coating is crucial in increasing crop yields and enhancing seed performance. Seed coatings increase seed germination rates, thereby allowing more seeds to develop into healthy, vigorous plants, which automatically increases the quantity produced. When applied timely enough, they allow resourceful management of crops through the prevention of crop loss as they shield seeds from pests, pathogens, and adverse environmental conditions at the early stages of their growth.

Moreover, coated seeds tend to sprout faster and more uniformly as they are able to absorb water and nutrients more effectively. Furthermore, seed coatings can be customized with specific nutrients, hormones, and stimulants that are needed for plant growth, which ultimately improves both plant quality and strength against diseases or unfavorable environmental conditions.

By reducing the requirements for replanting, enhanced seed performance increases the efficiency of seed usage, leading to increased harvests and more dependable results for farmers. Hence, an increase in production leads to food security and economic survival, especially in the areas that are experiencing fast-rising populations.

In December 2023, Inera CropScience launched a range of innovative seed coatings, Leiro. The seed coatings range is based on biocatalysts that provide support for early germination, enhance the growth of roots and shoots, and increase productivity while controlling biotic and abiotic factors.

Industrial Innovation and Sustainability Fuels Market Growth

The rise of the seed coatings market is essentially driven by industrialized innovations and sustainability. With the rising global emphasis on sustainable agriculture, more companies are focusing on developing eco-friendly and biodegradable seed coatings. In addition, due to worldwide laws on artificial chemicals and sustainability considerations, there is a need to replace seed coating with organic and non-toxic alternatives. Thus, companies have been investing in research and development so that they can develop alternative items that comply with regulations for plant health and boost the output required by farmers.

For instance, in January 2024, Nutreos, an ecologically safe seed coating that is non-toxic and biodegradable, was launched by Lucent BioSciences. This green strategy complies with the expected regulatory changes focusing on the issue of microplastic pollution caused by seed treatments, particularly in view of the imminent ban in the European Union regions.

In addition to lowering the negative impacts on the environment, these types of coatings promote less use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, thus leading to eco-friendly agricultural practices. Simultaneously, enhancements in microencapsulation and controlled-release technologies are aiding in supplying nutrients, plant protectants, and growth enhancers at the right intervals to promote favorable crop establishment.

Colorants Significantly Contribute to the Market Growth

The seed coating sector is largely determined by the colors used in making the seed coatings. Variations in colors allow farmers to compare types of seeds at a glance when sowing, thus enhancing precision planting while minimizing mistakes. This form of color identification becomes vital when dealing with extensive agriculture where there are numerous kinds of seeds involved.

Despite serving practical purposes, colorants enhance the visual quality of coated seeds, thereby increasing their marketability among commercial seed sellers. In response to the demand for environmentally acceptable and non-toxic agricultural inputs, a number of seed coating colorants have been developed.

For instance, in May 2024, a new seed coating brand, Jin Color, was launched by Nanjing Essence Fine-Chemical Co., Ltd., integrating color technology to offer vibrant seed solutions. The product uses a self-adaptive plastic-free film-forming technology, providing a breathable outer layer to the seeds. This permits the seeds to adjust to various soil or seed settings, control the amount of moisture absorbed by the seeds after sowing, withstand drought to a certain degree, stop the leaching of useful components, and allow the film-forming material to organically decompose in the soil to safeguard the environment.

Asia-Pacific is Expected to Dominate the Market Share

As the agriculture sector grows and greater emphasis is placed on enhancing crop yields, it is predicted that the seed coating market will be largely influenced by Asia-Pacific. Agricultural activities in countries such as China, India, Australia, and Japan are increasing due to rising food needs because of population upsurge. As a result, more innovative farming technologies, such as seed coatings that encourage plant growth and improve harvests, are being used in agriculture.

Moreover, coated seeds are increasingly sought after due to the region’s vast and diverse climate that brings challenges related to pests and erratic availability of nutrients. They work as safeguards while they aid in seed germination.

Climate-friendly and biodegradable seed coats have been advocated by increasing demand for organic agriculture in Asia-Pacific while awareness of sustainable farming methods has increased. In addition to this, large domestic and foreign manufacturers are enabling rapid growth of the market in the region.

In August 2023, the development of a native seed coating was initiated at Plantrite Nursery, a partnership between Curtin University and Nativ Carbon based in Perth. This type of coating has numerous advantages, including promoting large-scale reforestation and facilitating the production and increase in the size of native Western Australian plants intended for carbon farming.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

Due to the rising sustainability issues and stringent pollution laws, an increase in the demand for eco-friendly and non-toxic seed coatings is expected in the seed coating market.

Microencapsulation and controlled-release coatings will spur innovation by providing better seed protection and nutrient delivery.

As farmers slowly adapt to seed coatings to enhance crop production and ensure food security with increased yields, rapid growth in agriculture in emerging economies will provide new opportunities.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The global seed coating market is characterized by intense competition, with numerous international and regional players striving to innovate and expand their product portfolios. The market's key stakeholders are focusing on developing eco-friendly and biodegradable coatings to meet the growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices. These companies are heavily investing in research and development to develop advanced technologies that enhance seed performance and protection.

For instance, in November 2023, BASF SE launched its latest Flo Rite Pro 02 plantability polymer for seed coating. The product combines seed flow with adhesion properties, assisting in delivering the highest possible yield. Flo Rite products mix easily with any BASF SE Color Coat product and are compatible with most fungicides, insecticides, and nematicides.

Strategic partnerships and mergers are common as companies seek to strengthen their market position and expand into emerging areas. The growth of agriculture in emerging companies is attracting major industry players who are increasingly focusing on these areas with customized seed coating solutions designed for local crop varieties and conditions.

The competitive landscape is expected to be shaped by innovations in sustainable products and the ability to adapt to evolving regulations. With the increasing emphasis on organic farming and environmental concerns, key players will continue to develop solutions that provide both improved crop yields and reduced ecological impact, ensuring a strong market outlook.