Stored Grain Insecticides Market Assessment, By Product Type [Organophosphates, Pyrethroids, Insect Growth Regulators, Bio-insecticides, Others], By Form [Solid, Liquid], By Crop Type [Cereals and Grains, Oilseeds and Pulses, Fruits and Vegetables, Others

Global stored grain insecticides market is projected to witness a CAGR of 4.10% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 290.16 million in 2024 to USD 400.17 million in 2032. The market is impacting the security of food in the world by protecting grains from insect infestation during the time of storage. It is driven by the rising demand for effective pest control solutions so that post-harvest losses are reduced, as this is a major concern in parts of the world that produce a large quantity of grains. Stored grain insecticides are used against pests such as weevils, beetles, and moths, which negatively affect the quality and quantity of stored produce. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 3.70 million tons (Mt) of active ingredients-based pesticides will be used in agriculture overall in 2022. This represents a doubling since 1990, a 13% increase over the preceding 10 years, and a 4% increase from 2021.

Factors such as rising numbers of global population, increased grain consumption and the need for storage of grain for long periods, affect the market. The market is also shaped by laws and policies that ensure the safe use of insecticides in food storage, driving the market for eco-friendly and residue-free formulations by manufacturers. Emerging trends include adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices with biological insecticides to reflect growing importance among users in opting for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

The market is primarily influenced by Asia-Pacific, which has some of the highest grain production and storage needs across India and China. Advanced storage and chemical treatments are in trend in developed regions. However, such areas may be influenced by challenges such as the emergence of resistance against chemical formulations and stringent regulatory compliance.

Post-Harvest Losses Catalyze Market Expansion

Post-harvest losses, primarily attributed to pest infestations, significantly impact food security and economic stability. Stored grains become infested by insects such as weevils, moths, and beetles, leading to considerable losses in their quality and quantity. Every year, between 20% and 40% of global crop productivity is lost due to pests. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, invasive insects cost the global economy over USD 70 billion yearly, while plant diseases cost more than USD 220 billion. The loss affects farmers, storage facilities, and the entire global supply chain, leading to food price increases and a lack of availability of staple crops.

Stored grain insecticides provide a solution for combatting infestation in storage by preventing damage to their nutritional and economic value. Chemical solutions, which act as a protective barrier, kill pests before they can damage a significant amount of grain. They help to prolong the marketable life of stored grains. Therefore, pest control methods, such as insecticides, are gaining ground, with countries wanting to improve food security by reducing food waste. This demand, with an intensified focus on reducing losses from grain storage, drives innovations in the stored grain insecticides market.

Advancements in Pest Control Technologies Influence Market Growth

New technologies are changing the stored grain insecticides market, making them more efficient and sustainable. Modern pest control technologies are precise and targeted solutions that produce effective pest control with minimal environmental damage. Microencapsulation and controlled-release formulation are innovations offering long-acting action of insecticides, reducing application frequency and increasing efficiency.

Biological insecticides, sourced via natural microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi as well as plant extracts, are gaining recognition as effective natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. These formulations are designed to be directed at the selected pests while keeping the ecosystem around them intact. Improvement is also being made in penetration levels in storage facilities for fumigants and gaseous insecticides.

In October 2024, researchers from Kansas State University and the U.S. Department of Agriculture commenced a project to increase biosecurity against khapra beetle and the bigger grain borer that have harmed America's food supply for decades. The project will use automated, remote trapping devices to improve monitoring equipment. Additionally, researchers will evaluate new fumigants to see how well they work against these two pests.

Further improvement in integrated pest management (IPM) systems integrates insecticide with non-chemical methods such as temperature control and hermetic storage. This significantly minimizes chemical usage and ensures complete pest control.

Bio-insecticides to Stimulate Growth in Global Stored Grain Insecticides Market

Bio-insecticides are gaining momentum in the market for stored grain insecticides as there is demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control. Bio-insecticides derived from natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts are an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical treatment. They are made to target specific pests, most commonly grain beetles and weevils while minimizing damage to non-target species and the surrounding environment.

Awareness of food security and the growing need for residue-free grains to meet strict regulatory standards and consumer preferences have been among the driving factors in their adoption. Bio-insecticides are also consistent with integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which advocate diverse and sustainable approaches to the management of infestations.

In July 2023, the Grains Research and Development Corporation collaborated with Melbourne-based bio-company Bio-Gene Technology Ltd to develop a next-generation stored grain insecticide, Flavocide, that helps to control grain borer, saw-toothed grain beetle, flour beetle, rice weevil and flat grain beetle in grain storages for a period of up to 13 months. Flavocide contains beta-triketone which is identical to nature. It has shown notable efficacy against various insect pests and is protected by Bio-Gene patents for use as an insecticide.

Asia-Pacific Dominates the Global Stored Grain Insecticides Market

Aisa-Pacific leads the stored grain insecticides market due to the need for the production and storage of huge quantities of grains. China, India and Indonesia are among the biggest producers and consumers of grain staples such as rice, wheat and corn. Their massive agricultural output requires large storage facilities and pest management to prevent post-harvest losses.

According to the most recent extensive analysis done by NABCONs between 2020 and 2022, India suffers a food loss of over USD 18.5 billion every year. Additionally, the post-harvest losses in China amount to more than 35% of the total harvested output.

Besides that, the increasing population and consequent demand increase the pressure on the governments and the private players to bring in grain security. The warm and humid climate of the region has been conducive to pest development, increasing the demand for effective insecticides for stored grain eventually.

The rising awareness of food safety standards and export requirements is also furthering the adoption of modern pest control technologies in the region, including bio-insecticides and integrated pest management practices. Government initiatives to reduce food wastage and improve grain storage capacity further add to this market. The region is expected to continue to lead the stored grain insecticides market with continuous investment in storage technologies and sustainable pest control.

Future Market Scenario (2025 – 2032F)

Bio-insecticides and integrated pest management (IPM) approaches are likely to be widely accepted in the world, as they tend to increase concord for being eco-friendly and safe.

The application of innovations such as controlled-release formulations, microencapsulation, and smart fumigation systems are expected to increase the efficacy and precision of pest control methods.

Increased infestation and pest populations resulting from climatic changes may cause a greater dependency on pest management strategies.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The market for stored grain insecticides is dominated by several key players offering varied chemical, biological and integrated pest management solutions. These companies channel their efforts into researching innovative formulations in line with changing consumer preference towards residue-free and environmentally friendly pest control methods. They are involved in R&D-focused activity in which companies put a lot of effort into advanced technologies such as microencapsulation, controlled-release systems, and biological derivatives, improving effectiveness and safety.

The outlook for the market is positive, stemming from the increase in worldwide food demand, the growing grain storage requirements, and heightened food safety regulations. The main players are strengthened by partnering, acquiring, and expanding their geographic presence. Further, the trend in the effective adoption of sustainable practices showcases new growth opportunities. As for the innovations and solutions that comply with growing regulations, market players are likely to gain a competitive edge.

For instance, in March 2024, along with several other assets, Certis USA L.L.C. acquired the fungicides Howler and Theia from AgBiome. The goal of the acquisition was to expand the portfolio and introduce cutting-edge agricultural solutions.