Biofertilizers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028

Biofertilizers Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028

Global Biofertilizers Market has valued at USD 2.52 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.14% through 2028. Biofertilizers serve as a sustainable solution to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. Formulated from living organisms, biofertilizers effectively colonize the plant root zone, facilitating nutrient uptake. These beneficial bacteria, fungi, or algae play pivotal roles in fixing atmospheric nitrogen, solubilizing phosphorus, and enhancing nutrient availability through diverse mechanisms. By establishing symbiotic relationships with plants, these microorganisms aid in nutrient absorption and stimulate overall plant growth. Additionally, biofertilizers offer numerous advantages, including improved soil structure, increased nutrient efficiency, and reduced environmental pollution. Moreover, they contribute to the sustainability of agricultural practices and find wide applications in organic farming. Common biofertilizer types encompass nitrogen-fixing rhizobium, azotobacter biofertilizer, phosphate-solubilizing biofertilizer, and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Glomus species.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Preference for Chemical-Free Food Products

The global trend towards healthier lifestyle choices and the demand for organic produce is predicted to significantly boost the biofertilizer market. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the food they consume and the impact of chemical-based farming on the environment and human health. As such, they are turning towards chemical-free food products, which, in turn, promotes the adoption of biofertilizers. Biofertilizers, being environment-friendly and hugely beneficial in enriching the soil with essential nutrients, present a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers. They are made from biological wastes and do not contain any harmful synthetic agents, aligning perfectly with the global push towards sustainable agriculture and food safety. Furthermore, biofertilizers have shown to improve crop yield, soil fertility, and the organic matter content of the soil, all while being cost-effective and reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers. By providing essential nutrients to the plants and improving soil health, biofertilizers are playing a crucial role in the movement towards chemical-free food products. They are expected to experience increased demand globally, particularly in regions where organic farming is gaining traction. This surge in demand for chemical-free food products and the resultant increase in biofertilizer use are expected to drive growth in the biofertilizer market.

Increasing Prices of Synthetic Fertilizers

The escalating prices of synthetic fertilizers are poised to push the global demand for biofertilizers. This trend can be attributed to two core factors. The increasing costs of synthetic fertilizers make them less affordable for farmers, especially those operating on a small scale or in developing regions. This economic concern is leading to a shift towards more cost-effective and sustainable alternatives, such as biofertilizers., the harmful environmental impact of synthetic fertilizers, including soil degradation and water pollution, is compelling farmers, agro-industry, and governments to explore eco-friendly options. Biofertilizers, which are derived from living organisms, can enhance soil fertility without causing adverse environmental effects, making them a preferred choice. They not only improve the nutrient content of the soil but also promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices. The increasing awareness about these benefits, coupled with supportive government policies promoting organic farming, is further expected to fuel the demand for biofertilizers. Therefore, the soaring prices of synthetic fertilizers are inadvertently driving the growth of the biofertilizer market globally.

Rising Demand for Organic Food Products

The global surge in demand for organic food products is expected to directly influence the upswing in biofertilizer demand. Consumers worldwide are increasingly conscious of the health implications associated with the consumption of foods laced with chemical fertilizers, leading to a dramatic shift towards organic foods. Organic farming inherently requires the use of natural resources like biofertilizers to augment soil fertility, thereby maintaining the organic integrity of food crops. Biofertilizers, laden with beneficial microorganisms, enrich the soil with essential nutrients, ensuring the healthy growth of crops without any adverse environmental implications or health hazards. Furthermore, their role in promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing the over-reliance on chemically synthesized fertilizers, and reducing soil and water pollution makes them a natural choice in organic farming. The increasing governmental support for organic farming, in the form of favorable policies and subsidies, further bolsters the demand for biofertilizers. Additionally, the growing global trend of farm-to-table and the increasing interest in home gardening, predominantly in urban settings, are expected to fuel the demand for biofertilizers. All these factors collectively contribute to the expected increase in biofertilizer demand in stride with the rising demand for organic food products.

Growing Awareness Among Farmers About the Benefits of Biofertilizers

The global rise in awareness among farmers about the benefits of biofertilizers is expected to significantly influence the demand for these products. Biofertilizers are emerging as an effective eco-friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers, offering substantial benefits like enhanced soil fertility, improved plant growth, and increased crop yield. Farmers are becoming more educated about the environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers, triggering a shift towards more sustainable farming practices. Biofertilizers, with their ability to contribute to nutrient enrichment and the biological balance of soils, are gaining recognition. They are cost-effective, renewable, and safe for both the environment and the crops. By integrating biofertilizers into their farming practices, farmers can enhance crop productivity while reducing environmental harm. Government initiatives worldwide are also playing a significant role, promoting the adoption of biofertilizers through awareness campaigns, subsidies, and training programs. The increasing demand for organic food is further accelerating this trend, as biofertilizers align with the needs of organic farming. In conclusion, as awareness and understanding of biofertilizers' benefits continue to grow among the farming community, the global demand for these products is expected to rise.

Key Market Challenges

Storage and Limited Shelf-Life

The global demand for biofertilizers may see a decline owing to storage complexities and limited shelf-life. Biofertilizers, albeit an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers, harbor live bacteria and fungi that necessitate specific storage conditions to remain viable. These conditions often involve low temperatures that make the transportation and storage of biofertilizers a challenge, particularly in regions with warmer climates. Furthermore, the biofertilizers’ limited shelf-life poses another significant concern. Unlike their synthetic counterparts that can be stored indefinitely, biofertilizers lose efficacy over time and must be used within a specified period to ensure optimal results. This aspect can lead to waste, particularly in instances of overproduction or decreased agricultural activities such as off-seasons or unexpected weather changes. The combination of these factors—rigorous storage requirements and short shelf-life—inevitably adds to the operational costs and can hinder the widespread adoption of biofertilizers. Consequently, these challenges may result in a decreased global demand for biofertilizers, despite their known benefits to soil health and fertility.

Competition from Synthetic Fertilizers

The global agricultural landscape is witnessing an intense competition between synthetic fertilizers and biofertilizers. Despite the numerous benefits of biofertilizers, such as enhancing soil fertility, promoting sustainable farming, and reducing harmful environmental impacts, their adoption rate is experiencing a significant challenge from synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers, also referred to as chemical fertilizers, offer an immediate and potent nutrient supply to crops, which substantially increases crop yield in a shorter period. This swift and robust impact on crop productivity is a major factor enticing farmers globally, leading them to prefer synthetic fertilizers over biofertilizers. Furthermore, synthetic fertilizers are easily accessible and widely available in various forms, making them more convenient to use. The extensive marketing and distribution networks established by the synthetic fertilizer companies also contribute to their dominance. This competition from synthetic fertilizers is anticipated to curtail the demand for biofertilizers worldwide. However, the increasing awareness of the environmental harms caused by synthetic fertilizers and the growing trend of organic farming could potentially counterbalance this trend, steering the preference back toward biofertilizers in the long run.

Key Market Trends

Government Initiatives & Subsidies to Encourage Organic Farming

Governments worldwide are increasingly recognizing the paramount significance of sustainable agriculture and are actively supporting farmers in their transition from conventional to organic farming practices. This unwavering support encompasses a wide range of measures, including financial incentives, tax benefits, research and development grants, as well as subsidies specifically aimed at facilitating the acquisition of biofertilizers. By alleviating the financial burden associated with the adoption of biofertilizers, these initiatives not only empower farmers but also foster a greater understanding of the myriad benefits that these organic alternatives offer. This, in turn, paves the way for wider acceptance and adoption, ultimately creating a virtuous cycle of growth and development.

The availability of such subsidies and incentives is creating a favorable ecosystem for the exponential expansion of the biofertilizer market, both at the local and global levels. As a result, the positive impact of sustainable agriculture is not only being felt by farmers themselves but also by the broader community and the environment at large. In essence, these concerted efforts by governments to promote sustainable agriculture and support the transition to organic farming practices are driving a paradigm shift in the agricultural landscape. With the biofertilizer market poised for significant growth, the stage is set for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future in agriculture.

Rising Environmental Concerns & Increasing Demand for Greener Alternatives

Chemical fertilizers have long been recognized for their negative environmental consequences. The extensive use of these fertilizers has led to water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. In response to these concerns, governments and environmental agencies worldwide are actively promoting the adoption of biofertilizers as a sustainable solution. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, many countries have implemented stringent regulations and policies to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers and encourage the widespread adoption of organic farming practices. This growing support from regulatory bodies, combined with the increasing awareness of environmental issues among consumers, has created a significant shift in the agricultural industry. Farmers and agricultural practitioners are now more inclined to explore biofertilizers as an alternative, recognizing their potential to mitigate the negative impacts of chemical fertilizers. This shift in mindset and practice is not only driven by environmental concerns but also by the desire to create a healthier and more sustainable food system.

As a result, the demand for biofertilizers is experiencing a remarkable surge, creating a favorable market environment for manufacturers and suppliers. The adoption of biofertilizers not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers long-term benefits such as improved soil health, enhanced crop productivity, and reduced dependency on synthetic inputs. The shift towards biofertilizers as a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers is gaining momentum. The collaboration between regulatory bodies, environmental agencies, and the agricultural community is crucial in creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural system. With the increasing demand for biofertilizers and the growing awareness of their benefits, we can expect a positive impact on the environment and a more sustainable future for agriculture.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Based on the Type, Nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers dominated the market in 2022, accounting for a significant revenue share. This can be attributed to their ability to address long-standing issues of heavily contaminated soil and water reserves resulting from the widespread use of synthetic fertilizers. The utilization of biobased fertilizers effectively meets the soil's high phosphorus content requirements, fixed nitrogen presence, and other essential mineral needs for optimal plant growth. Moreover, the use of specific biofertilizers tailored to different soil and crop types promotes healthy plant development without compromising human health or the environment.

In addition to nitrogen-fixing biofertilizers and phosphate solubilizing products, which are the two most in-demand products globally, multinational companies operating in this space are also focusing on the mass commercialization of potassium mobilizing biofertilizers, zinc solubilizing products, and NPK consortia liquid products. Among the commonly found potassium-solubilizing bacteria, silicate bacteria such as Bacillus glucanolyticus, B. mucilaginous, B. circulans, and B. edaphicus play a vital role.

Crop Type Insights

Based on the Crop Type, the application segment of cereals and grains held the largest share of revenue in 2022. The production of cereals and grains requires a significant quantity of biofertilizers for optimal development. Global studies have indicated that cereal and grain crops exhibit substantial growth and development when inoculated with Azotobacter, leading to a reduction in nitrogen requirements. Moreover, the utilization of phosphate solubilizing bacteria and Azotobacter inoculation has proven to be highly effective biofertilizers for the healthy development of wheat, resulting in increased crop yields. The utilization of these biofertilizers in cereal and grain cultivation promotes vigorous vegetation growth and enhances photosynthesis activity.

The oilseeds and pulses segment is expected to experience the fastest growth. The increasing demand for soybean, sunflower, and groundnuts worldwide is a key factor driving the application of biofertilizers in the oilseeds and pulses sector. Additionally, advancements in microbiology have contributed to determining the suitable composition of biofertilizers for wheat cultivation, as well as other major cereals and grains. Consequently, the demand for biofertilizers is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period globally. The consumption of biofertilizers in oilseeds and pulses is highest in North America and the Asia Pacific regions, primarily due to the growing demand for soybean, groundnut, sesame, and sunflower. The most effective biofertilizer compositions for a variety of pulses and oilseed cultivation worldwide have been found to include phosphorus solubilizing bacteria, rhizobium, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, and vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza.

Regional Insights

North America emerged as the dominant force in the global biofertilizers market in 2022. The region's prominence is fueled by the growing demand for organic food, driven by concerns surrounding the environmental and health impacts of conventional agriculture. This trend will continue as the region experiences an upsurge in the demand for organic food products. The governments of the United States and Canada have implemented policies and programs to promote sustainable agriculture practices, including the utilization of biofertilizers. These initiatives have created a favorable regulatory environment for the biofertilizer market in North America. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) plays a pivotal role by providing research funding and technical assistance to support the development and use of biofertilizers. Programs like the National Organic Program aid in the production and marketing of organic products, which often rely on biofertilizers.

The biofertilizers market in the Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The increasing population and the rising demand for cereals and grains, particularly in developing countries, are significant drivers for the development of the biofertilizers market in this region. India stands out as a key player in the biofertilizers marketplace. Factors such as the growing population, heightened focus on organic foods, and increased government support for the production and utilization of biofertilizers contribute to the market's growth in India. The Indian government actively promotes the use of biofertilizers and has implemented the Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) program under the Soil Health Card Program. This program encourages soil test-based practices to reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and harmful pesticides.

In February 2023, the Indian Finance Minister announced the launch of the Program of Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration, known as "PM Pranam." This initiative aims to boost the production of alternative fertilizers and strike a balance in the utilization of chemical fertilizers in the country, further promoting the production of biofertilizers in the coming years. Moreover, China and Japan display a growing focus on sustainability in agricultural activities, with substantial investments in research and development of biofertilizers and other farming amendments. This trend fuels the growth of the biofertilizers market in the Asia Pacific region.

Key Market Players

Novozymes A/S

CBF China Bio-Fertilizer AG

Agri Life(India) Private Limited

Mapleton Agri Biotech Private Ltd

Biomaxnaturals

Rizobacter Argentina S.A.

Symborg S.L.

National Fertilizers Ltd

Growing Power Hairy Hill

Antibiotice S.A.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Biofertilizers Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Biofertilizers Market, By Type:
• Nitrogen-Fixing Bio Fertilizers
• Phosphate-Solubilizing Bio Fertilizers
• Potash-Mobilizing Bio Fertilizers
• Others
• Biofertilizers Market, By Form:
• Liquid
• Carrier-based
• Biofertilizers Market, By Crop Type:
• Cereals & Grains
• Pulses & Oilseeds
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Others
• Biofertilizers Market, By Application:
• Seed treatment
• Soil treatment
• Others
• Biofertilizers Market, By Microbe Type:
• Rhizobium
• Azotobacter
• Azospirillum
• Cyanobacteria
• Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria
• Others
• Biofertilizers Market, By Region:
• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Kuwait
• Turkey
• Egypt

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Biofertilizers Market.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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