Seeds Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global seeds market size reached almost USD 75.02 Billion in the year 2024. The market is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.00% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of almost USD 147.58 Billion by 2034.

Seeds perform several functions for the plant, such as dispersing to new locations, providing nourishment to the embryo, and dormancy in unfavourable weather conditions. Seeds are classified based on the number of cotyledons (seed leaves) in the embryo, with dicots having two and monocots one. Seeds have a wide range of applications across various fields. They are the primary means of propagation for many plants, including crops. Their selection and breeding are crucial for improving crop yields and qualities.

Many seeds, such as grains, legumes, and nuts, are vital food sources rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Seeds like sunflower, rapeseed, and flaxseed are used to extract oils for cooking and industrial purposes. Some of them also have medicinal properties and are used in traditional and modern medicine. The global seeds market growth is being driven by the growing food demands of the rising population and the increased demand for oilseeds due to their diverse applications.

Key Trends and Developments

The seeds market is expanding with growing demand for genetically modified (GM) seeds, shift towards sustainability, organic farming, technological advancements, and a focus on climate resilience and crop diversity to address environmental challenges and improve food security.

February 2025

At the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Sakata Seed America launched Purple Magic Broccoli, the world’s first purple-stemmed, purple-headed variety. Developed over 15 years in Japan, it offers higher levels of anthocyanin and polyphenols than regular broccoli. Now available in the U.S. and worldwide, it has won the AAS award.

August 2024

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 109 climate-resilient and biofortified seed varieties to boost farm productivity and nutrition. Developed by ICAR, the varieties included 61 crops, with 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops. Modi introduced the seeds at Delhi's Pusa Campus, engaging with farmers and scientists.

May 2024

VA Tech Wabag launched the "BLUE SEED" initiative to support emerging water tech startups. The program provides capital, advisory support, and access to live projects, aiming to foster innovation in the water sector. BLUE SEED helps startups scale, contributing to sustainable water solutions and a greener future.

March 2024

Syngenta Vegetable Seeds opened a state-of-the-art Seed Health Lab in Hyderabad, India, enhancing its global quality control network. The USD 2.4 million facility will process 12,000 tests annually and supports India’s "Make in India" initiative. The lab aims to provide high-quality, disease-free seeds to growers in India and beyond.

Demand for Genetically Modified (GM) Seeds are Boosting Seeds Market Opportunities

The global demand for genetically modified seeds is on the rise, as these crops offer key benefits such as pest resistance, drought tolerance, and improved yields. GM seeds help address challenges related to climate change and food security. With advances in gene editing and biotechnology, these seeds are becoming essential for sustainable agriculture. In December 2024, China approved 17 new GM crop varieties, including soybeans, corn, and cotton, to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, promoting agricultural sustainability.

Sustainability and Organic Farming is Boosting the Seeds Market Growth

A global shift towards sustainability and organic farming is driving growth of the seeds market. Consumer demand for organic produce is increasing, resulting in higher use of non-GMO and organic seeds. Companies are focusing on eco-friendly practices and developing seeds tailored for organic farming. In Madhya Pradesh, India, over 6,000 farmers have transitioned from GM cotton to organic practices, aiming to reduce costs, improve soil health, and preserve biodiversity, all contributing to a more sustainable agricultural system.

Technological Advancements is a Key Trend in the Seeds Market

Technological advancements are transforming the seeds market, with innovations in seed genetics and digital farming technologies. Precision agriculture, drone monitoring, and data analytics are helping farmers optimise crop yields, manage risks, and lower costs. At CES 2025, John Deere presented autonomous tractors, and Kubota showcased AI-driven crop disease detection. These innovations emphasise sustainability and precision farming, improving crop quality while reducing the use of chemicals, all vital for adapting to changing environmental conditions and ensuring long-term agricultural success.

Climate Resilience and Crop Diversity is Impacting the Seeds Market Revenue

As climate change intensifies, developing climate-resilient seeds has become a priority. These seeds are designed to survive extreme conditions like droughts and floods, ensuring food security. Enhancing crop diversity is also essential, as it helps adapt to environmental shifts. Research shows that organic farming systems, focused on soil health and biodiversity, improve resilience to climate change. By reducing synthetic inputs, organic practices promote sustainable agriculture and healthier ecosystems, further supporting the global push for climate adaptation in farming.

Seeds Market Segmentation

The report titled “Global Seeds Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

The market is segmented on the basis of crop type into:

• Oilseeds
• Cereals and Grains
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Others

Oilseeds are further divided into soybean, sunflower, cotton, and canola/rapeseed. Cereals and grains are sub-divided into corn, wheat, rice, and sorghum. Fruits and vegetables are further divided into tomatoes, melons, brassica, pepper, lettuce, onion, and carrot. Other seeds are further divided into alfalfa, clovers, and other forage, flower seed, and turf grasses.

Currently, the oilseeds segment accounts for the majority of the seeds market share. The increasing demand for healthy and organic oilseed-processed products, molecular breeding in oilseeds, and public-private partnerships in varietal development are some of the key drivers. Furthermore, sunflower seeds, known for their high protein and calcium content, are expected to have a significant demand in the coming years.

A diverse range of oilseeds, including copra, cottonseed, palm kernel, peanut, rapeseed, soybean, and sunflower seeds, are cultivated for oil extraction. The oil extracted is used in food products for human consumption, while the residue is used as animal feed. The edible oil extracted from oilseeds is also a feedstock for biodiesel production.

On the basis of type, the market is bifurcated into:

• Genetically Modified
• Conventional

Presently, the conventional seeds market exhibits an upward trajectory, followed by the market for genetically modified seeds. Conventional seeds are those not genetically modified and are produced through traditional breeding methods. They are crucial in agriculture for their adaptability to various environmental conditions and their natural resistance to pests and diseases. These seeds are essential in maintaining biodiversity and traditional farming practices.

They are widely used in various crop types, including cereals, grains, oilseeds, pulses, fruits, and vegetables. Conventional seeds are favoured in organic farming and by farmers and consumers who prefer non-GMO products.

On the basis of genetically modified seed traits, the market is divided into:

• Herbicide-Tolerant
• Insecticide-Resistant
• Other Stacked Traits

Amongst all of these, herbicide-tolerant seeds demonstrate a clear dominance in the market. The demand for herbicide-tolerant seeds in the global market is robust, driven by their ability to withstand specific herbicides that would otherwise damage or kill the plant. This trait allows farmers to control weeds effectively without harming the crops.

Herbicide-tolerant seeds are particularly popular in large-scale, mechanised farming practices where efficient weed control is essential for maintaining high crop yields; this demand contributes to the overall seeds market revenue. The adoption of these seeds is significant in crops like soybean, corn, and cotton, especially in regions with intensive farming practices.

On the basis of treatment, the market is categorised into:

• Treated
• Non-Treated

Currently, treated variants dominate the market. These seeds are in high demand, particularly for their enhanced protection against pests, diseases, and environmental conditions. These seeds are coated with fungicides, insecticides, or other protective chemicals to improve germination rates and seedling health. Treated seeds are widely used in both commercial and subsistence farming to increase crop yields and reduce the risk of crop failure.

They are particularly beneficial in regions with challenging environmental conditions or high pest and disease pressures. Their applications span across various crop types, including cereals, grains, vegetables, and fruits.

On the basis of seed availability, the market is bifurcated into:

• Commercial
• Saved

The demand for commercial seeds in the market is driven by the need for high-yield, disease-resistant, and climate-adaptable varieties. These seeds, produced and sold by seed companies, are often genetically improved or treated for better performance.

Commercial seeds are crucial for modern agriculture, meeting the needs of large-scale farms and ensuring consistent crop quality and yield. They are essential in meeting global food production challenges, especially with increasing population and changing climate conditions.

Seeds Market Analysis

The market is being supported by the growing population across the globe due to which the demand for food and food production is increasing. Furthermore, owing to rapid urbanisation, the availability of per capita arable land has decreased. However, with the advent of genetically modified (GM) seeds, farmers are now able to enhance the efficiency of their farmlands as GM variants have more yield than non-GM variants. This is expected to drive the demand for GM seeds all over the world, further contributing to the seeds market demand.

In addition to this, in several countries, the government is encouraging the application of biofuel owing to its environmental benefits, further accelerating the demand for crops like soybean and corn, augmenting the demand for seeds of these crops. Expanding applications of biofuels can be attributed to the environmental advantages offered by the same and increasing focus on lowering carbon emissions globally. Besides, due to economic growth and increasing disposable incomes, the demand for agricultural produce from the food as well as non-food sectors has constantly been growing in a number of emerging markets, like India, China, the Middle East, and others, thereby invigorating the market growth in the forecast period.

Market Share by Region

The Asia Pacific region holds the largest share of the overall seeds market value. This prominence is attributed to the region's extensive agricultural production and increasing seed replacement rate. The Asia Pacific region encompasses a wide range of climates and agricultural zones, from the temperate zones of China and Japan to the tropical environments in Southeast Asia. This diversity results in a wide variety of crops being cultivated, each requiring specific seed types.

There is a strong demand for both food and cash crops in the region. Rice, wheat, and maize are staple food crops with a high demand for seeds. Many governments in the region actively support the agricultural sector through subsidies, research and development initiatives, and policies promoting the use of improved seed varieties.

Competitive Landscape

The seeds market key players are recognized for their innovations in crop science, pharmaceuticals, and consumer health. These companies are committed to enhancing global health and food security by collaborating with farmers to boost productivity and environmental responsibility. They offer cutting-edge seed solutions for cereals, vegetables, and forage crops, supporting global food sustainability. Specializing in seeds, crop protection, and digital technologies, they help farmers achieve greater yields while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Bayer AG

Bayer AG is a global life science company with core competencies in health care and agriculture. Founded in 1863 in Leverkusen, Germany, it is known for its innovations in pharmaceuticals, crop science, and consumer health. The company is dedicated to improving health and food security worldwide.

Syngenta Group Co., Ltd.

Syngenta, established in 2000, is a global agricultural company specializing in crop protection and seeds. Headquartered in Switzerland, it focuses on sustainable farming practices, innovation, and improving food security. Syngenta works with farmers to enhance productivity and environmental stewardship across the globe.

Groupe Limagrain Holding

Groupe Limagrain is a French multinational cooperative founded in 1942, primarily focused on plant breeding, seeds, and field crops. With a strong commitment to agriculture, Limagrain provides farmers with innovative seed solutions for cereal, vegetable, and forage crops, promoting global food sustainability.

Corteva, Inc.

Corteva, Inc., formed in 2019, following a spin-off from DowDuPont, is a leading global agricultural company headquartered in the United States. It specializes in seeds, crop protection, and digital solutions, helping farmers achieve higher yields while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Other key players in the seeds market report are Sakata Seeds Corporation, and Rallis India Limited, among others.