Fungicides Market Outlook, 2030

The fungicides industry is a crucial and rapidly evolving sector within the global agrochemicals market, playing an essential role in modern agriculture by protecting crops from a wide range of fungal diseases that threaten food security and crop productivity. Fungicides are chemical compounds or biological agents specifically designed to inhibit or eliminate fungi and fungal spores that cause infections in plants, which can lead to significant yield losses and quality degradation. The increasing demand for higher agricultural productivity to feed the world’s growing population has amplified the importance of fungicides as vital crop protection solutions.

They are extensively used across a variety of crops including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and commercial plantations such as coffee and cotton. The industry's growth is supported by advancements in chemical formulations, improved delivery methods, and integration with sustainable farming practices, all aimed at maximizing efficacy while minimizing environmental impact. One of the primary drivers of the fungicides market is the rising incidence of fungal diseases due to changing climatic conditions, increased monoculture practices, and expanding cultivation areas. Warmer temperatures and higher humidity create favorable environments for fungal pathogens, thereby increasing the frequency and severity of infections.

This escalation has intensified the need for effective and targeted fungicidal treatments to safeguard crop health and ensure stable food production. Additionally, the expansion of organic farming has led to greater interest in biofungicides - products derived from natural organisms such as bacteria, fungi, or plant extracts - that offer environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional synthetic fungicides.

These biofungicides are gaining traction as part of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, reflecting a broader industry trend towards sustainability and reduced chemical residues in food products. Regulatory frameworks across many countries are also evolving to promote safer and more selective fungicides, pushing manufacturers to innovate and develop products that meet stringent safety, environmental, and efficacy standards.

According to the research report “Global Fungicides Market Outlook, 2030” the global Fungicides market is projected to reach market size of USD 31.26 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 23.36 Billion in 2024, growing with 5.08% CAGR by 2025-30. One of the foremost concerns is the development of resistance by fungal pathogens to commonly used fungicidal compounds. Resistance emergence reduces the effectiveness of existing products, necessitating higher doses or more frequent applications, which can increase costs and environmental risks.

This challenge drives continuous research and development efforts to discover new active ingredients with novel modes of action and to formulate fungicides that can be used in combination or rotation to delay resistance. Another challenge relates to regulatory restrictions and the increasing scrutiny of chemical pesticides worldwide, which often lead to bans or phase-outs of certain fungicides deemed hazardous to human health or the environment. Compliance with these regulations requires significant investments by manufacturers in product reformulation and registration processes. Moreover, fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain disruptions can impact production costs and market availability.

In terms of market trends, the fungicides industry is witnessing a notable shift towards precision agriculture technologies, which enable farmers to apply fungicides more efficiently and only where needed, thus reducing chemical usage and enhancing environmental stewardship. Digital tools, drones, and sensor technologies provide real-time data on disease outbreaks and crop health, helping optimize fungicide application timing and dosage. Furthermore, there is a growing preference for multi-site and broad-spectrum fungicides that offer protection against multiple pathogens, improving convenience and cost-effectiveness for farmers.

Geographic dynamics also play a vital role, with the Asia-Pacific region emerging as a fast-growing market due to expanding agricultural activities, government support for crop protection, and increasing awareness among farmers. North America and Europe remain significant markets characterized by high regulatory standards and a strong focus on sustainable farming practices.

Market Drivers

• Climate Change and Increasing Fungal Disease Pressure: Climate change, particularly the rise in temperature and humidity, is creating more favorable conditions for the proliferation of fungal pathogens globally. Crops in both temperate and tropical regions are increasingly exposed to diseases like rusts, blights, and mildews, which can cause severe yield losses. This growing threat has heightened the demand for effective fungicides to safeguard agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
• Rising Demand for High-Value and Perishable Crops: The increasing cultivation of high-value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals - especially in export-focused economies - has driven the need for advanced fungicidal protection. These crops are highly susceptible to fungal infections and have low tolerance for quality damage, making fungicides indispensable in ensuring marketability, shelf life, and profitability.

Market Challenges

• Fungal Resistance to Active Ingredients: One of the most pressing challenges is the development of resistance by fungal pathogens to specific fungicide active ingredients due to overuse or misuse. This limits the effectiveness of existing fungicides and compels companies to invest heavily in R&D to discover new modes of action, which is costly and time-consuming.
• Stringent Regulatory Environment and Chemical Bans: Many regions, particularly in Europe and North America, have implemented strict regulations regarding chemical residues, environmental toxicity, and human health impact. Several conventional fungicides have been banned or restricted, shrinking the portfolio of available products and increasing the compliance burden on manufacturers and farmers alike.

Market Trends

• Growth of Biofungicides and Natural Alternatives: There is a rising trend toward the adoption of biofungicides derived from natural organisms like beneficial fungi, bacteria, and plant extracts. These products are gaining popularity due to their eco-friendly profile, compatibility with organic farming, and alignment with global sustainability goals.
• Integration with Precision Agriculture Technologies: The adoption of digital agriculture tools such as drones, satellite imagery, and field sensors is enabling precision fungicide application. This trend allows farmers to target problem areas with accurate dosages, reducing overall chemical use, lowering costs, and minimizing environmental impact - making fungicide application more efficient and sustainable.

Chemical fungicides dominate the fungicides market due to their broad-spectrum efficacy, immediate action, and well-established usage across a wide variety of crops and geographies.

Chemical fungicides are leading the global fungicides market primarily because of their proven effectiveness, fast-acting properties, and widespread availability, making them the preferred choice for farmers facing serious fungal threats. These synthetic fungicides are designed to target a wide range of fungal pathogens quickly and efficiently, often providing both curative and protective actions. Their broad-spectrum capabilities allow them to control multiple diseases with a single application, making them cost-effective and convenient for large-scale agriculture.

Additionally, chemical fungicides are deeply embedded in conventional farming practices and supported by extensive agronomic data, which gives farmers confidence in their performance and reliability. Despite growing interest in biofungicides and sustainable alternatives, chemical fungicides continue to hold a major market share due to their established infrastructure, robust supply chains, and consistent results even under high disease pressure or unpredictable weather conditions.

Furthermore, regulatory approvals and research investments have enabled manufacturers to develop safer and more targeted chemical formulations, reinforcing their continued dominance. Until biological options achieve equivalent scalability, efficacy, and affordability, chemical fungicides are expected to remain the backbone of crop protection strategies in both developed and emerging agricultural markets.

Cereals and grains lead the fungicides market because they are globally cultivated staple crops that are highly vulnerable to fungal diseases, necessitating consistent and large-scale fungicidal use to protect yields and ensure food security.

Cereals and grains, including wheat, rice, maize, barley, and oats, are the backbone of global agriculture and food supply, making them a top priority for crop protection efforts - especially from fungal threats. These crops are grown extensively across diverse agro-climatic zones and are particularly susceptible to a wide range of fungal diseases such as rusts, smuts, blights, and mildews.

Left untreated, these diseases can cause devastating yield losses, poor grain quality, and significant economic damage to farmers and national food reserves. As a result, fungicides are routinely applied throughout the crop cycle to both prevent and manage outbreaks, making cereals and grains the largest consumer segment within the fungicides market.

Additionally, rising global demand for staple food and animal feed, especially in populous regions like Asia-Pacific and Africa, further amplifies the need to protect these crops at scale. Governments and international organizations also prioritize safeguarding cereals and grains to prevent food insecurity, encouraging the use of agrochemicals including fungicides. The high economic value and global importance of these crops make consistent investment in their protection essential, which in turn sustains high fungicide consumption levels.

Foliar spray leads the fungicides market because it offers quick, direct, and efficient disease control by delivering fungicides straight to the infected or vulnerable plant surfaces.

Foliar spray is the most widely used mode of fungicide application, primarily due to its direct and immediate effectiveness in managing fungal infections. This method involves applying fungicides directly onto the leaves and stems of plants, where most fungal pathogens initially establish themselves. By targeting the infection site, foliar sprays provide rapid absorption and action, enabling quicker disease suppression and protection. This approach is especially valuable for high-value crops and during critical growth stages when swift disease control can prevent major yield losses.

Farmers favor foliar spraying not only for its efficacy but also for its compatibility with existing farm equipment and ease of use across a wide range of crop types. Additionally, foliar applications allow for precision in dosing, minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact compared to other methods like soil or seed treatments. This technique is also suitable for repeated applications throughout the growing season, making it adaptable to varying disease pressures and climatic conditions. As a result of its versatility, reliability, and widespread agronomic acceptance, foliar spray remains the dominant segment in fungicide application methods and continues to be the frontline defense in modern crop protection strategies.

Liquid formulations lead the fungicides market because they offer superior ease of application, faster absorption, and better coverage, making them ideal for both large-scale farming and precision agriculture practices.

Liquid fungicide formulations have emerged as the dominant choice in the fungicides market due to their practical advantages in application, performance, and compatibility with modern agricultural technologies. These formulations, typically used in foliar sprays or drip irrigation systems, allow for even distribution over plant surfaces, ensuring thorough coverage and more effective contact with pathogens. Liquids are also easily absorbed by plant tissues, enabling quicker action against fungal infections, which is crucial during peak disease periods or under sudden weather-induced outbreaks.

Moreover, liquid fungicides can be conveniently mixed with other agrochemicals such as insecticides or micronutrients, reducing labor and application costs by allowing multiple treatments in a single pass. Their compatibility with conventional and precision spraying equipment - such as drones, mist blowers, and automated sprayers - further enhances their efficiency and appeal to both large-scale commercial farms and smallholders.

In contrast to solid or powder-based alternatives, liquid formulations reduce the risk of residue buildup or clogging in machinery, making them more user-friendly and less maintenance-intensive. These combined benefits of efficacy, efficiency, and operational ease have made liquid fungicides the preferred format in global markets, especially in regions with advanced farming practices and growing awareness of sustainable, low-waste agricultural inputs.

Agricultural farmers lead the fungicides market because they rely heavily on crop protection solutions to maximize yields, safeguard staple and cash crops, and maintain consistent productivity amid rising disease pressures and climate variability.

Agricultural farmers represent the primary consumer segment in the fungicides market because their livelihoods are directly tied to crop health, yield stability, and profitability - all of which are under constant threat from fungal diseases. With the global demand for food rising, farmers are under pressure to produce more from limited land resources, which makes effective disease management essential. Fungal pathogens such as rusts, mildews, and blights can decimate yields and reduce the quality of produce, particularly in high-volume crops like cereals, grains, fruits, and vegetables. To prevent such losses, farmers turn to fungicides as a key line of defense throughout the growing cycle.

In both developed and developing agricultural economies, fungicide use is an ingrained practice supported by government advisory services, agri-input suppliers, and cooperative networks. Furthermore, agricultural farmers often operate on large landholdings, enabling the use of advanced application technologies such as tractor-mounted sprayers, drones, and irrigation-based delivery systems - methods well-suited for fungicide deployment.

Beyond commercial crops, fungicides are also critical in protecting export-grade produce and perishable crops where quality and shelf life are crucial. This consistent, large-scale, and high-frequency demand for fungicides by agricultural farmers cements their dominant position in the market, and as farming continues to modernize, this segment’s influence is expected to grow even further.

Asia-Pacific leads the fungicides market due to its vast agricultural landscape, high crop diversity, and increasing incidences of fungal diseases driven by tropical climates and intensified farming practices.

The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global fungicides market primarily because of its massive agricultural base, which includes some of the world’s leading producers of rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables - crops that are highly susceptible to fungal infections. Countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam have extensive arable land and support large farming populations, many of whom rely on fungicides to protect yields and maintain food security. The region’s warm and humid climate is particularly conducive to the growth and spread of fungal pathogens, making frequent fungicide application a necessity rather than an option.

Moreover, the rising demand for food due to population growth, coupled with government efforts to increase crop productivity and reduce post-harvest losses, has further encouraged the use of crop protection chemicals, including fungicides. Asia-Pacific is also witnessing a shift toward commercial agriculture and export-oriented farming, which increases the emphasis on crop quality and disease-free produce.

As agricultural practices modernize, farmers are adopting advanced formulations and application methods - such as foliar sprays and precision technologies - which favor the use of liquid fungicides. Additionally, strong support from agrochemical manufacturers, growing awareness among farmers, and favorable government subsidies or extension programs have made fungicides more accessible across both large farms and smallholder plots.

• In June 2024, BASF SE launched its new rice fungicide, Cevya (400g/L mefentrifluconazole), in China that features the active ingredient Revysol (mefentrifluconazole) for effective prevention and control of rice false smut.
• In March 2023, Corteva acquired Stoller, one of the largest independent companies in the biologicals sector, headquartered in Houston, Texas. This acquisition will strengthen Corteva’s dedication to offering farmers environmentally friendly, sustainable solutions that align with advancing farming practices and demonstrate proven effectiveness.
• In August 2023, Bayer AG invested USD 231.3 million to construct a new R&D facility at its Monheim site. This investment marked Germany's largest single financial commitment towards crop protection in the last four decades. The R&D facility was designed to accommodate approximately 200 employees. By implementing advanced safety measures, including early safety screens and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Bayer aimed to develop the next generation of safe and sustainable crop protection products. This will help develop new fungicide products.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Fungicides Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type

• Chemical Fungicides
• Biological Fungicides

By Crop Type

• Cereals & Grains
• Fruits & Vegetables
• Oilseeds & Pulses
• Others

By Form

• Liquid
• Dry

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.