Sorghum Seeds Market Assessment, By Product Type [Grain Sorghum, Biomass Sorghum, Sweet Sorghum, Forage Sorghum], By Treatment [Treated, Untreated], By Application [Human Consumption, Animal Feed, Biofuel Production, Others], By Region, Opportunities and

Sorghum Seeds Market Assessment, By Product Type [Grain Sorghum, Biomass Sorghum, Sweet Sorghum, Forage Sorghum], By Treatment [Treated, Untreated], By Application [Human Consumption, Animal Feed, Biofuel Production, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global sorghum seeds market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.45% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 1.81 billion in 2023 to USD 2.77 billion in 2031. The market is poised to exhibit consistent growth over the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for various applications and the crop's inherent characteristics. Advanced regions that are susceptible to shortages of grains are particularly open to the adoption of sorghum, since it is a drought-resistant crop. People are beginning to appreciate its agronomic attributes and ecological benefits. The rise in health awareness and the gluten-free trend are leading to greater incorporation of sorghum in food applications due to its nutritional profile and adaptability.

More than just a food crop, sorghum is highly appreciated as a component of animal nutrition and in the production of biofuels. Its composition is suited for feeding livestock, and sorghum biomass potential makes it appropriate in a world that is turning away from fossil fuels to other energy sources. This has encouraged the growth of the biofuel industry and sorghum farming, particularly in many nations, where bioenergy is being promoted. Companies are engaging themselves in producing sorghum-specific pesticides to encourage farmers to grow more sorghum. For instance, in October 2024, Click herbicide was introduced by Sipcam Oxon S.p.A. for use in sorghum farming. Since its introduction for corn harvests, the solution has maintained the cereal's capacity for production due to the action of terbuthylazine, a molecule of the most recent generation. In terms of pre and post-emergence activity, Click is expected to transform sorghum weed management for infestations of difficult-to-control plants.

In this emerging market, companies are investing time and money in research and development activities to produce better sorghum hybrids, which can tolerate environmental stresses and give maximum output. This development is part of a wider movement that encourages sustainable agricultural practices, climate adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Consequently, the situation continues to shift as more areas appreciate the multifaceted importance of sorghum with respect to food, energy, and market sustainability.

Eco-friendly Food Preferences to Catalyze Market Expansion

There has been a significant increase in the demand for sorghum seeds due to the rising trends in eco-friendly foods. Sorghum has a low environmental footprint since it requires less water and fewer chemical inputs than most grains. This complements the current consumer demand for sustainable sources of food. Due to its gluten-free and healthy properties, sorghum is being incorporated into plant-based foods which resonate with healthy and environmentally friendly eating habits.

Moreover, sorghum is gaining prominence as an important component in new industries, such as cultured meat production, where it can be used as a low-cost and green feedstock. For instance, in November 2024, researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Research Institute grew prototypes of cultured pork using kafirin, a protein present in sorghum grain, as a water-insoluble, gluten-free scaffold. According to the research, cultured pork has lower mono and polyunsaturated fats and higher levels of protein and saturated fat. Additionally, it was observed that the red pigments from sorghum provided some antioxidant qualities and a pork-like appearance to the cultured meat.

As a result of the incorporation of plant-based and lab-designed protein substitutes, sorghum has been seen as a potential crop for the changing perspectives of food systems toward the production of more sustainable and ethical sources of food. This contributes to a rise in demand for sorghum seeds.

Climate Resilience to Influence the Market Growth

Due to the benefits of climate-resilient and drought-tolerant sorghum, it becomes necessary in developing regions prone to water availability and high temperatures. In contrast to most grains, sub-tropical drought-resistant sorghum can be produced in areas of low and marginal rainfall, allowing farmers to harvest a consistent crop in adverse situations. This trait is becoming more critical as agriculture is affected by climate change, with long-term droughts and erratic rainfall patterns becoming the norm.

Sorghum’s deep root system and ability to conserve water, extend its viability and output in low moisture conditions, offering an efficient crop solution where other crops tend to fail. These attributes are essential for food security in such areas and present sorghum as a suitable crop for environmentally friendly agriculturalists opting for climate smart agriculture practices. Therefore, demand for drought-tolerant varieties of sorghum globally continues to increase, making it a strategic crop in sustainable agriculture.

In March 2024, Zimbabwe's seed company, Seed Co Zimbabwe, introduced two climate-resilient grain varieties to reduce the effects of climate change, including a sorghum variety, SCXH102, and SC665, a medium maize hybrid. Farmers may better adjust to changing conditions with the help of climate-smart seed varieties, specially designed to be more resilient to heat stress, drought, and other climate extremes.

Forage Sorghum to Hold a Significant Market Share

The forage sorghum seeds segment occupies a healthy portion of the overall market owing to its high yield, higher nutritional value, and sturdiness, which makes it suitable for use as livestock feed. In places with high temperatures and little water, forage sorghum is fast growing and produces biomass, quickly making it an inexpensive and a better-quality alternative to other forage crops such as maize.

Its ability to grow in dry environmental conditions, and low input costs associated with it, have been the reason for its widespread utilization by livestock ranchers across all geographical regions, especially in the dry regions. The relentless search for a more sustainable feed supply for an expansive livestock sector has almost invariably fueled the demand for forage sorghum hybrids.

In May 2024, S&W Seed Company announced the commercial introduction of Double Team Forage Sorghum, expanding its portfolio of unique and exclusive sorghum trait technologies. Growers of forage sorghum got an extravagant, non-GMO, grassy weed management option with Double Team Forage Sorghum. Double Team Grain Sorghum was first offered by S&W in 2021, and since then, it has rapidly risen to the top of the market for grain sorghum grass control traits. According to the company, it will be planted on over 10% of all grain sorghum acres in 2024, almost twice as many acres as were planted the year before.

North America to Dominate the Market Share

North America is the world's largest market for sorghum seeds, with the United States being one of the largest producers and exporters of sorghum. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, the United States was ranked as the top country in sorghum production, producing 8.07 million metric tons of sorghum. The production represented around 14% of the global sorghum production.

Moreover, the region has a well-developed agricultural system, vast agricultural land and a favorable climate for growing sorghum, which further adds to the leadership of the market. Farmers in the region are assisted by the government research programs and advanced seed technologies that develop high yield, drought resistant strains of sorghum, that help maintain production, especially when the weather is unpredictable.

Furthermore, the increasing emphasis on renewable energy sources has led to growing uses of sorghum in producing biofuels. The energy market in North America has experienced growth in the recent past as the use of bioethanol and biomass sorghum types has been on the rise due to government policies supporting green fuels.

The rising awareness about the health benefits of gluten-free diets has created a constant supply of gluten-free sorghum foods, which has enhanced its utility. All these trends confirm North America as one of the major markets in the global sorghum seeds market, with enhanced internal regional development and external sales development.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The expected impact of climate change, coupled with the existing water scarcity will likely increase the demand for sorghum where its extreme weather tolerance makes it a more reliable crop choice.

The health benefits, nutrition, and absence of gluten in sorghum will help find applications in health and specialty food markets in response to the need of the consumers for alternative green and sustainable grains.

Given the progress towards the commercialization of cultured meat, areas of focus for improvements in the cultivation of sorghum will emphasize on its increased use as a feedstock for more sustainable lab-grown protein production.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The market for sorghum seeds is dynamic as competition between the players is related to innovation to meet the increasing need for food, animal feed, and biofuel sectors. Companies devote significant amounts of money to research and development activities to produce high-yield, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant sorghum hybrids that will grow in varied environments. The increasing variety of crops is associated with climate change concerns, which makes sorghum an ideal crop in areas with water deficiency and poor soil.

Several players in the sector are increasing collaborations with academic centers and other companies to develop genetic characteristics and investigate the various prospects of the crop. Acquisitions are common in the industry, leading to better market coverage and portfolio development. In March 2024, a global plant genetics company, Grupo Don Mario (GDM), strategically acquired the South American corn and sorghum business of KWS SAAT SE & Co. KGaA. All of KWS's corn breeding and sales operations in South America are included in the deal, along with its 700-person workforce and corn and sorghum production facilities in Brazil and Argentina.

Moreover, players are venturing into the growing health-focused segment of the market by marketing sorghum as a gluten-free healthy ingredient for certain food products. The sorghum seeds market is envisaged to be on the rise due to technological developments, strategic partnerships, and the multifunctional nature of this crop which will be key to sustainable agriculture and food security in the forecast period.