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The cereals & grains crop type segment will capture USD 75.4 billion and demonstrate a 6.4% CAGR till 2032 due to several key factors, the critical role of cereals and grains as staple foods for much of the global population, their vulnerability to climate change, and their economic importance as cash crops. The segment's growth is further bolstered by concentrated research efforts to improve drought tolerance in major cereal crops, as well as government policies prioritizing cereal crop resilience. As climate change continues to impact agricultural regions worldwide, the adoption of drought-tolerant varieties in this segment is expected to accelerate, reflecting the increasing importance of these seeds in ensuring global food security and stable agricultural productivity.
The genetic engineering technology segment will expand to USD 26.3 billion in 2024 and garner a 6.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This robust growth is attributed to several key factors. Genetic engineering allows for more precise and efficient development of drought-resistant traits compared to conventional breeding methods. It enables the creation of crops with enhanced water use efficiency, improved root systems, and better stress tolerance mechanisms. The technology also allows for the combination of multiple beneficial traits, such as drought tolerance with pest resistance or improved nutritional profiles. As climate change intensifies, the demand for genetically engineered drought-tolerant crops is expected to rise, particularly in regions facing increasing water scarcity. Additionally, ongoing advancements in genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are likely to accelerate innovation in this field, contributing to the segment's growth. However, this growth may be moderated by regulatory challenges and public acceptance issues in some markets.
The distribution channels for drought tolerant seeds encompass a diverse range of options to reach farmers and agricultural businesses. Direct sales from seed companies to large-scale farmers or agribusinesses provide personalized service and technical support. Retail sales through agricultural supply stores cater to smaller farmers and hobbyists. Online sales are gaining traction, offering convenience and wider product access, especially for tech-savvy farmers.
Distributors and dealers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between manufacturers and end-users, often providing local expertise and logistics support. Agricultural cooperatives serve as important channels, particularly for smallholder farmers, offering members access to high-quality seeds at competitive prices while also providing education on best practices. This multi-faceted distribution approach ensures that drought tolerant seeds can reach a broad spectrum of customers, from large commercial operations to small family farms, adapting to varying needs and preferences across different regions and farming scales.
Asia Pacific drought tolerant seeds market reached USD 36.3 billion in 2023 and will record 6.8% CAGR during 2024 and 2032. This growth is fueled by a combination of factors, including the increasing impacts of climate change, rapid population growth, and rising food demand in the world's most populous region. The industry's growth is further propelled by agricultural modernization efforts, government initiatives supporting climate-resilient farming, and the pressing need for water-efficient crop varieties in water-stressed areas.
Increased investment in research and development of locally adapted drought-tolerant varieties, coupled with growing adoption among smallholder farmers, is driving market expansion. Additionally, efforts to diversify crops, economic growth leading to higher agricultural investment, and national food security concerns are all contributing to the industry's upward trajectory. This growth underscores the region's recognition of drought tolerant seeds as a critical tool in adapting to changing climate conditions and ensuring sustainable food production for its large and growing population.