India Bio-Fertilizers Market Research Report: Forecast (2023-2028)

Market Definition

Biofertilizers are natural fertilizers containing living microorganisms. The common biofertilizers include rhizobium, azotobacter, azospirillum, and blue-green algae (BGA). When applied to soil and seed, the microbes colonize the plant rhizosphere to enhance the supply of primary nutrients. Along with this, they employ the natural phenomenon of nitrogen fixation, growth-promoting substances, and solubilizing phosphorus, which, in turn, stimulate plant growth. Biofertilizers restore the natural nutrient soil cycle, build organic matter, and enhance the sustainability and health of the soil. Besides, they are eco-friendly and cost-effective.

Market Insights & Analysis: India Bio-Fertilizers Market (2023-28)

The India Bio-Fertilizers Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 11.0% during the forecast period, i.e., 2023- 28. In 2017, India had 532 biofertilizer manufacturing units that have got upgraded to around 600-65 units. However, this capacity remains underutilized when compared with the total annual production. This is especially true of carrier-based solid biofertilizer capacity as its utilization stood at 59 percent in 2017–18, 36 percent in 2018–19, 39 percent in 2019–20, and 65 percent in 2020–21, cites the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Although the market witnessed a sharp decline in 2020, the dynamics have gradually changed in 2021.

The market is predominantly driven by the utmost dependency on fertilizers posed by the agriculture sector. It is because India has been witnessing degrading soil conditions for the past few years. Since India is the largest agriculture revenue-generating country in The Asia Pacific, the soil quality can never be compromised. It is why the government is relentlessly investing in green and organic fertilizers to prevent further chemical absorption. In the last few years, the biofertilizers market in India has swiftly augmented. It can be accredited to the rising environmental concerns and increasing health consciousness that has called for the minimal utilization of chemical fertilizers. Chemical fertilizers entering the food chain can damage soil fertility and spread hazardous diseases. This factor has compelled the farmers to shift toward the available bio alternatives, thereby fostering the market expansion of bio-fertilizers across India.

Another factor propelling the market growth is the mounting demand for organic food products, which has led to the widespread adoption of organic-based farming techniques and, in turn, requiring more bio fertilizers. In fact, the active participation of the Government of India (GoI) in improving the food cultivation methods to satiate the exploding food demand is expected to fuel market growth across the nation.

Market Segmentation

Based on Type

• Nitrogen Fixing
• Phosphate Solubilizing
• Others (Zinc-solubilizing, Potassium-mobilizing bio fertilizers, etc.)

Here, Nitrogen Fixing Fertilizers are expected to acquire a considerable market share during the forecast period. It owes primarily to the higher demand for nitrogen-fixing products projected by Indian farmers. The reason for such higher adoption is its extreme utility as a biotechnological tool to increase Indian agricultural productivity in a shorter span. It is why nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization have been considered essential factors for plant growth. The demand for nitrogen-fixing products is high among Indian farmers as it is the biotechnological tool with the highest potential to increase Indian agricultural productivity in the short term. On the other hand, Phosphorous, which usually exists in soil as an insoluble form, is the second most crucial nutrient for crops, after nitrogen. Since bio fertilizers adequately facilitate these nutrients, their demand has surged in the last few years.

Regional Projection

Tamil Nadu was responsible for nearly half of the carrier-based fertilizer production in India in 2020–21. It was followed by Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana with about 14 per cent, 12 per cent, 10 per cent and 6 percent share in the production respectively. Together these five states were responsible for over 90 per cent of India’s carrier-based fertilizer production, says Centre for Science and Environment (CSE).

According to the government data published in “The State of Biofertilizers and Organic Fertilizers in India”, Between 2018–19 and 2020–21, production of carrier-based fertilizers has grown by 1,438 per cent in Tamil Nadu, followed by 460 per cent in Uttar Pradesh, 300 per cent in Haryana, 98 per cent in Rajasthan and 80 per cent in Gujarat. Production of carrier-based fertilizers grew by 29 per cent in Punjab between 2018–19 and 2019–20. Tripura and Himachal Pradesh also witnessed a high growth rate in the production of carrier-based fertilizers, but over a low production volume. On the other hand, production has dropped in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Puducherry and Telangana from the 2018–19 levels.

Market Dynamics

Key Driver: Growing Awareness Regarding the Negative Effects of Chemical Agri-Inputs

To provide enough food for the residing people, India's growing population has put tremendous pressure on agricultural lands and other resources. The increased use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture may result in the production of enough food for the nation, but at the same time, it adversely impacts the environment and the health of living things. Therefore, the use of biological fertilizers has significantly expanded over the past several years in an attempt to reduce the use and detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers in agriculture.

Possible Restraint: Lack of Technical Know-How and Inadequate Infrastructural Development

Technological and infrastructural constraints are likely to hinder market growth during the forecast period. The absence of technical support alongside insufficient funds for infrastructural developments may restrain the market expansion. Although the product application is sustainable and cost-effective, numerous constraints, such as lack of awareness, insignificant finances or funding, and fewer human resources, might impact the market maturation in the coming years.

Key Questions Answered in the Market Research Report:

1. What are the overall statistics or estimates (Overview, Size- By Value, Forecast Numbers, Segmentation, Shares) of the India Bio-Fertilizers Market?
2. What are the region-wise industry size, growth drivers, and challenges?
3. What are the key innovations, opportunities, current & future trends, and regulations in the India Bio-Fertilizers Market?
4. Who are the key competitors, their key strengths & weaknesses, and how do they perform in the India Bio-Fertilizers Market based on the competitive benchmarking matrix?
5. What are the key results derived from surveys conducted during the India Bio-Fertilizers Market study?