Global Agricultural Inoculants Market

Description

Agricultural Inoculants, also known as soil inoculants and microbial inoculants, are microbes which are formulated to enhance plant health, plant growth and to improve agricultural productivity. These are applied either to the seed or are added to the soil. These formulations could be microbes like bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses or algae which help in preventing plants from infections and diseases and hence in improving crop yield. These inoculants are used in bio-control agents and organic farming, as bio-fertilizers and systematic acquired resistance (SAR) for various diseases; and are available in different forms like solid, liquid and freeze-dried form.

End-user/Technology

The end-users of Agricultural Inoculantsare the farmers who indulge themselves in organic farming.
Agricultural inoculants are added to the soil or applied to the seed before planting it into the soil. These inoculants digest the mineral reserves from the soil and break them down into nutrients for the plant to absorb, thus preserving the plant’s energy and helping it to grow and stay healthy. They form a symbiotic relationship between the plant and the soil.

Market Dynamics

The growth of agricultural inoculants market is driven by the increased raw material prices for basic agrochemicals like fertilizers and pesticides and their harmful effects on health and environment. Because of these factors, there is a shift towards sustainable organic farming which includes use of agricultural inoculants. In addition to this, the increasing need and demand for improved food quality and productivity is also an important factor for the growth of this market. Thus the frequency of inoculants use is also increasing.
However, the lack of significant awareness of these products among the farmers and low adoption rates due to lack of proper distribution channels might have an impact on the growth of the market. The strategic advances of the major players and technological advances might help to overcome these factors.

Market Segmentation

The global agricultural Inoculants market is segmented on the basis of type of inoculants, by mode of application, by source of inoculate, crop type and region.
Depending on the type of inoculant, the market is segmented into plant disease-resistance stimulants, plant growth-promoting micro-organisms (PGPMs) and biological pest-control agents.
By application mode, the market is segmented as seed inoculation and soil inoculation.
Depending on the source, the market is segmented into bacteria, fungus and others.
Based on crop type, the market is segmented into Fruits and Vegetables, Cereals and Grains, Pulses and Oilseeds, and Others.
Region-wise, the market is segmented across Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe and Middle East and Africa.

Regional/Geographic Analysis

The growth in the agricultural inoculants market is expected to be the fastest in the APAC region due to increasing population and rise in awareness and adaption of eco-friendly organic farming. Europe is also expected to contribute to the growth of the market at a significant rate due to increasing demand for organic food of good quality for the increasing population and increasing awareness of the farmers. The North American region is also expected to grow at a considerable rate owing to technological advancements in the market. Latin America is expected to grow due to increasing oilseed crop applications.

Opportunities

The market is expected to throw a lot of opportunities for growth in the forecasted period owing to the strategies followed by the key players in the market. The market players are using strategies like mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration to gain a high market share and to strong position in the market. The major players are also involved in product developments which might lead to innovations in the market.

Key Players

Some of the major players in the Agricultural Inoculants Market include:
• BASF SE
• Bayer
• Dupont
• Novozymes
• Advanced Biological Marketing Inc.