Indian Agrochemicals Industry to Grow 9% Annually Through FY28, Exports Boom

Indian Agrochemicals Industry Set for Robust 9% CAGR Growth, Export Markets Thriving

Team Finance Saathi

24/May/2024

Key Points:

The Indian agrochemicals industry is projected to grow at a 9% CAGR from FY25 to FY28, reaching $14.5 billion.
India's agrochemical exports have grown at a 14% CAGR from FY19 to FY23, with herbicides leading the charge.
The top 5 export markets (Brazil, USA, Vietnam, China, and Japan) account for nearly 65% of India's agrochemical exports.

The Indian agrochemicals industry is on the brink of substantial growth, with projections indicating a strong compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% from FY25 to FY28. This optimistic outlook is driven by a combination of government support, expansion of production capacities by companies, increasing demand in both the domestic and export markets, and the introduction of new innovative products. By FY28, the size of the Indian agrochemicals market is expected to reach US$ 14.5 billion, up from its current level of approximately US$ 10.3 billion.

Driving Factors of Growth

Several key factors are propelling the growth of the Indian agrochemicals industry:

Government Support: The Indian government has been proactive in supporting the agrochemicals industry through various policies and initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. Subsidies, research and development incentives, and favorable regulatory frameworks have all contributed to creating a conducive environment for growth.
Expansion of Production Capacities: Many agrochemical companies in India are expanding their production capacities to meet the rising demand. Investments in modern manufacturing facilities and technologies are helping these companies increase their output and improve efficiency.
Increasing Domestic and Export Demand: The demand for agrochemicals is rising both domestically and internationally. The domestic market is driven by the need to enhance agricultural productivity and manage pest and weed problems more effectively. Meanwhile, export demand is fueled by India's competitive pricing and high-quality products.
Innovative Products: The introduction of new, innovative agrochemical products is another significant growth driver. These products are often more effective and environmentally friendly, appealing to both domestic and international markets.

Impressive Export Performance

India's agrochemical exports have shown impressive growth, registering a strong 14% CAGR from FY19 to FY23, reaching US$ 5.4 billion in FY23. This robust performance solidifies India's position as a net exporter of agrochemicals, with exports significantly outpacing imports, which grew at a more moderate 6% CAGR during the same period.

Within the agrochemicals sector, herbicides have emerged as the fastest-growing export segment, with a remarkable 23% CAGR from FY19 to FY23. The share of herbicides in total agrochemical exports has increased from 31% to 41% during this period, highlighting their growing importance in India's export portfolio.

Concentration in Key Markets

The report also highlights that India's agrochemical exports are becoming increasingly concentrated in a few key markets. The top 5 countries—Brazil, USA, Vietnam, China, and Japan—now account for nearly 65% of India’s agrochemical exports. This concentration underscores the importance of these markets to the Indian agrochemical industry and highlights potential opportunities for further growth and diversification.

Domestic Usage and Potential for Growth

Despite the impressive growth in exports, domestic consumption of agrochemicals in India remains relatively low. The per hectare consumption of agrochemicals in India is just 0.6 kg, which is a fraction of the Asian average of 3.6 kg/ha and just a quarter of the global average of 2.4 kg/ha. This low usage indicates significant potential for growth in the domestic market as awareness and adoption of agrochemicals increase among Indian farmers.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the Indian agrochemicals industry is poised for continued growth. Several factors will influence this trajectory:

Policy Support and Reforms: Continued government support and policy reforms will be crucial in maintaining the growth momentum. Efforts to streamline regulatory processes and provide financial incentives can further boost the industry.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in agrochemical products and production technologies will play a vital role. The development of more effective and environmentally sustainable agrochemicals can open new markets and improve adoption rates.
Market Diversification: While the concentration of exports in key markets has been beneficial, there is also a need to diversify and explore new markets. This can mitigate risks and provide new growth opportunities.
Sustainability Practices: Emphasizing sustainable practices in agrochemical production and usage can enhance the industry's reputation and meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products globally.

Conclusion

The Indian agrochemicals industry is set for a period of robust growth, driven by strong government support, increased production capacities, rising domestic and export demand, and innovative product introductions. With a projected 9% CAGR from FY25 to FY28, the market size is expected to reach US$ 14.5 billion. The impressive growth in exports, particularly in the herbicides segment, and the concentration of exports in key markets like Brazil, USA, Vietnam, China, and Japan highlight the industry's potential and strategic importance.

However, there remains significant untapped potential in the domestic market, given the low per hectare consumption of agrochemicals in India. By addressing this gap, the industry can achieve even greater growth and contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in India.

As the industry evolves, a focus on policy support, technological advancements, market diversification, and sustainability practices will be essential to sustaining long-term growth and achieving new milestones. The future of the Indian agrochemicals industry looks promising, with ample opportunities for innovation and expansion on the horizon.

Also read : BSE Market Capitalization Surges Past India's GDP, Approaching Historic Highs

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